Advanced Search
Advanced Search

Gem with Athena Nikephoros

Greek
Late Hellenistic Period
1st century B.C.

Medium/Technique Carnelian
Dimensions Length: 17 mm (11/16 in.)
Credit Line Gift in memory of Emily Dickinson Townsend Vermeule
Accession Number2001.172
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentGems

DescriptionRed carnelian. Oval intaglio with flat front, set in modern gold ring. Athena seated to left, holding in her right hand a winged Nike facing her. In front, a tall incense burner. A shield with a thunderbolt or star leans against the backless throne. Groundline. Two small chips missing around the edge.
ProvenanceSaid to have been found at Paestum, Italy. 1897, purchased in Italy by a private collector; March, 1964, sold by this collector to Cornelius C. Vermeule, III (b. 1925 - d. 2008) and Emily Townsend Vermeule (b. 1928 - d. 2001), Cambridge, MA [see note]; 2001, gift of Cornelius C. Vermeule to the MFA. (Accession Date: March 21, 2001)

NOTE: First lent to the MFA July 14, 1965 (loan no. 155.65). The collector was said to have been a Bryn Mawr alumna who acquired this in Italy the year of her graduation (1897).