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Lot Essay
The flat oval stone, blueish-white over brown, is engraved with the Athena Parthenos of Pheidias. The goddess stands on a short groundline, wearing a long peplos, an aegis, and a crested Attic helmet. In one hand she holds a spear and in the other an orb surmounted by Nike proffering a wreath. Her oval shield sits on the ground behind her.
The Athena Parthenos by Pheidias, sculpted in gold and ivory, was one of the most celebrated statues of antiquity. It was begun in 447 B.C. and dedicated nine years later. The type was copied in every medium. For several examples on Roman gems, although none as large or as finely carved as the example presented here, see nos. 93-99 in G.M.A. Richter, Engraved Gems of the Romans.
The Athena Parthenos by Pheidias, sculpted in gold and ivory, was one of the most celebrated statues of antiquity. It was begun in 447 B.C. and dedicated nine years later. The type was copied in every medium. For several examples on Roman gems, although none as large or as finely carved as the example presented here, see nos. 93-99 in G.M.A. Richter, Engraved Gems of the Romans.