Carnelian ring stone

Unknown

ca. 1st–3rd century CE · Carnelian · Greek and Roman Art

This is a rare depiction of an artist at work. In his right hand, he holds a stick-like object that has a round knob at one end and is pointed at the other and slightly thickened, likely a brush. In his left hand, he holds another object, which is evidently not a mallet but perhaps a palette seen in perspective. Ancient marble sculpture was often brightly painted. The artist holds his tool lightly and is probably painting rather than modeling.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1st–3rd century CE

Medium

Carnelian

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of John Taylor Johnston, 1881