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Oval gem with the Good Shepherd and Hekate on reverse

Roman
Late Imperial
A.D. 250–400

Medium/Technique Jasper
Dimensions Length: 16 mm (5/8 in.)
Credit Line Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1900
Accession Number03.1010
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentGems

DescriptionThe Good Shepherd stands frontally, looking to right, and holding a sheep on his shoulders. He wears a short, belted tunic, cape, and boots. Three sheep stand at his feet. Over groundline. On smallest face, three-bodied Hekate walking to left with poloi over the heads and clubs or branches in hands. Over groundline. Around the edge, Greek inscription H.OYPENIA.THEODOT. Small chip missing at left on large face. Red and yellow mottled jasper. Oval intaglio with flat front and back, and beveled edge; set in a modern swivel ring.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to his records: bought in London); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, March 1903