Scaraboid Stamp Seal: Horseman Spearing a Falling Man
500-300 BCE
Description
This chalcedony scaraboid stamp seal features an image of a mounted warrior attacking a felled opponent. The carving of the horse is shallow, save for the swells of its chest and hindquarters. Its front legs are raised some, as if about to trample the fallen man. The rider wears a pointed cap, and in his upraised hand he holds a spear. His opponent lies on his back with his knees bent. He raises one hand to meet the spear pointed at this head. The lack of detail makes it difficult identify the figures in this scene. There is, however, a handful of seals showing Persian riders attacking opponents on foot (1); this seal is likely similar. NOTE 1. E.g., J. Boardman, Greek Gems and Finger Rings: Early Bronze Age to Late Classical (London, 1970) fig. 310, nos. 881, 974.
Dimensions
1.4 x 1.6 x 0.8 cm (9/16 x 5/8 x 5/16 in.)
Provenance
Damon Mezzacappa, gift; to the Harvard Art Museum, 1986.
Related Artworks
View MoreChalcedony
7th-6th century BCENeo-BabylonianSteatite or chlorite
4th millennium BCEAnatolianLead
11th centuryByzantineChalcedony
9th-7th century BCENeo-AssyrianBronze with open work decoration
18th-19th centuryIndianLead
ByzantineLead
ByzantineLead
ByzantineSteatite or chlorite
2nd millennium BCEHittiteLead
ByzantineLead
ByzantineLead
Byzantine