Carnelian engraved gem with a portrait of Sokrates

Unknown

ca. 1st century BCE–1st century CE · Sard-Carnelian ? · Greek and Roman Art

The fifth century B.C. Greek philosopher Sokrates is represented reclining with one hand raised. He is bearded and bald and has the broad bulbous nose that is said to have likened him to a silenus. The type of head resembles that generally identified as a work of the early Hellenistic period, perhaps by Lysippos.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1st century BCE–1st century CE

Medium

Sard-Carnelian ?

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of John Taylor Johnston, 1881