Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XVI 26 Sep 2018
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Etruscan Silver Scarab. Circa 5th century BC. Inlaid gold eyes; base engraved with leaping antelope design. 18.77g, 19mm x 14mm x 12mm.
From the collection of a Swiss Etruscologist;
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 25, 24 June 2016, lot 93;
Ex English private collection.
The scarab gem, carved in the shape of a beetle with the underside flat and engraved with various subject matters, originated in Egypt and was subsequently brought to Italy in the 5th century BC by Greeks and Phoenicians. There it became extremely popular and was produced in large quantities by Etruscan craftsmen, who typical of their love for detail, carved scarabs more elaborate and accurate in the representation of the beetle than their Greek and Phoenician counterparts. Beside the latter's, the Etruscans' scarabs are the last major production of such seals in antiquity.
From the collection of a Swiss Etruscologist;
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 25, 24 June 2016, lot 93;
Ex English private collection.
The scarab gem, carved in the shape of a beetle with the underside flat and engraved with various subject matters, originated in Egypt and was subsequently brought to Italy in the 5th century BC by Greeks and Phoenicians. There it became extremely popular and was produced in large quantities by Etruscan craftsmen, who typical of their love for detail, carved scarabs more elaborate and accurate in the representation of the beetle than their Greek and Phoenician counterparts. Beside the latter's, the Etruscans' scarabs are the last major production of such seals in antiquity.