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Pyramidal seal with Medusa and Herakles
Near Eastern, Iranian, Persian
Achaemenid Period
550–331 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Chalcedony
Dimensions
Length x width: 25 x 20 mm (1 x 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number95.80
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSeals
DescriptionIntaglio. Pierced for stringing. Medusa, winged, walking toward right holding a lion by the tail in each hand. Walking toward her, Herakles holds a lion in his right hand and a club in his left.
ProvenanceBy 1893, with Edward Perry Warren (b. 1860 - d. 1928) (according to Warren's records: Bought at Sotheby's, 17th May 1893, lot 85); 1895, sold by Edward Perry Warren to the MFA for $29,857.37 (this figure is the total price for MFA 95.9-95.174) (Accession Date: May 17, 1893)