Haematite gem: Lion-headed figure (A) characteres (B) Μελπομένη (C)

PP-ID:

PP-5015

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE_Kassel_Ge 183

Collection:

Kassel, Antikensammlung, Hessen Kassel Heritage

Collection Inventory:

Ge 183

Reference Numbers:

Capello 1702, no. 154; AGD III, no. Kassel 183; Michel, DMG, no. 37.B.4_1

Former Collections:

Patin, Charles (Paris, 1633 – Padua, 1693); Capello, Antonio (Venice, 1652–1729); Karl, Landgraf von Hessen-Kassel (Kassel, 1654–1730)

Material:

haematite (black)

Dimensions:

14.1 × 12.4 × 3.3 mm

Iconography:

lion-headed figure; mantle; throne

Haematite gem. Upright oval, both faces flat, trapezoid section. (Shape 8–9). Small chips on the lower edge, reverse abraded.

Side A: Lion-headed figure seated enthroned to the left, dressed in a mantel that covers the lower body.
Side B: Characteres.
Side C: Greek inscription around the edge: μελπομενη → Μελπομένη.

Selected bibliography
• Capello 1702 >>, pl. 25, no. 154 (see Antiquitatum Thesaurus for details).
• Montfaucon 1719 >>, vol. 2,2, 366–367, pl. 150C (see Antiquitatum Thesaurus for details).
• Zazoff, AGD III >>, 243–244, no. 183.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 37.B.4_1.