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Carnelian ring stone

ca. 1st–3rd century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
This is a rare depiction of an artist at work. In his right hand, he holds a stick-like object that has a round knob at one end and is pointed at the other and slightly thickened, likely a brush. In his left hand, he holds another object, which is evidently not a mallet but perhaps a palette seen in perspective. Ancient marble sculpture was often brightly painted. The artist holds his tool lightly and is probably painting rather than modeling.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Carnelian ring stone
  • Period: Imperial
  • Date: ca. 1st–3rd century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Carnelian
  • Dimensions: Length: 1/2 in. (1.2 cm)
  • Classification: Gems
  • Credit Line: Gift of John Taylor Johnston, 1881
  • Object Number: 81.6.48
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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