Gold box ring surmounted by a scarab

Unknown

ca. 330–310 BCE · gold · Greek and Roman Art

On the underside of the box, kneeling Eros. From the end of the third millennium B.C., the scarab beetle served as an amulet in Egypt where it represented the sun god. In the Greek world, beginning in the sixth century B.C. it became the predominant type of gem, cut in carnelian and other hard stones. The scarab integrated into a gold ring appears in the fourth century B.C. The articulation of the insect and the embellishment of the box reveal craftsmanship of the highest order.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 330–310 BCE

Medium

gold

Culture

Greek

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Purchase, Schultz Foundation Gift, 2010