Magical gem: Eros riding lion (A) voces (B)
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CBd-Number:
CBd-655
ID-Number:
GB-BM-MMEu_G 255, ΕA 56255
Collection:
GB_London, The British Museum
Inventory:
G 255 (ΕA 56255)
References:
Michel, BM, no. 257; Michel, DMG, no. 15.3.b
Former Collections:
Rollin & Feuardent (auction house, 1867–1953)
Material:
jasper, green to black
Dimensions:
18 x 24 x 4 mm
Dating:
3rd c. AD (Michel)
Iconography:
Eros riding lion; whip; animal: lion, with snake-headed tail; stars (2)
Divine Names & Voces:
Ἰάω; Μουι Σρω
A: Lion striding to left, with a rider on its back (Eros). The tail of the lion ends in a snake’s head. Eros looks back on the snake’s head, his left hand grasping the mane of the lion, his right hand raised high and holding a whip. In the free field in front of the lion, two eight-pointed stars.
B: Inscription in three lines: πυροιοι|ιαω|μουισρω → voces including Ἰάω, Μουι Σρω.
S. Michel interprets the representation of the lion and stars as an astrological image, which is further underlined by the planet and decan names on the reverse (perhaps a later addition to the gem). For more details, see her analysis below.
Bibliography
Michel, BM on CBd-655
Michel 2011, 85, pls. 9a-d.
B: Inscription in three lines: πυροιοι|ιαω|μουισρω → voces including Ἰάω, Μουι Σρω.
S. Michel interprets the representation of the lion and stars as an astrological image, which is further underlined by the planet and decan names on the reverse (perhaps a later addition to the gem). For more details, see her analysis below.
Bibliography
Michel, BM on CBd-655
Michel 2011, 85, pls. 9a-d.
Last modified: 2017-06-06 21:31:45
Link:cbd.mfab.hu/cbd/655
CITE THIS PAGE
CBd-655. The Campbell Bonner Magical Gems Database (2010-), developed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, editor-in-chief: Á. M. Nagy.
Retrieved from: cbd.mfab.hu/cbd/655 on 16-05-2025.
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