magical gem; intaglio

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Object Type: magical gem; intaglio
Museum number: 1986,0501.1
Description: Magical gem; intaglio; green-brown jasper; oval; bevelled edge on side B. Side A: Crucified figure on a tall cross with a short base. The wrists are tied to the cross, feet held as if hanging in the air, bearded head with long hair in profile to left. Letters in the free field, above the head of the figure. Inscription in eight lines to the left and right of the image. Side B: Rest of an inscription in ten lines.
Cultures/periods
Production date: 2ndC-3rdC
Production place: Made in: Mediterranean (eastern Mediterranean)
Materials
Technique
Dimensions: Height: 30 millimetres; Thickness: 6 millimetres; Width: 25 millimetres
$Inscriptions
Bibliographic references: Michel 2001 / Die Magischen Gemmen im Britischen Museum (457); Spier 2007 / Late Antique and Early Christian Gems (443); CBd / The Campbell Bonner Magical Gems Database Online (815) (http://classics.mfab.hu/talismans/cbd/815); Spier et al. 2007 / Picturing the Bible: The Earliest Christian Art (55); Kotansky 2017 / The Magic 'Crucifixion Gem' in the British Museum
Location: Not on display
Exhibition history: Exhibited: 2007 18 Nov-2008 30 Mar, USA, Fort Worth, Kimbell Art Museum, Picturing the Bible: The Earliest Christian Art
Condition: Chipped on all sides.
Subjects
Associated names
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 1986
Department: Britain, Europe and Prehistory
Registration number: 1986,0501.1

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