Banded agate scarab
Unknown Artist
3rd century BCE
Medium
Agate, banded, gold
Dimensions
H.: 3/8 x 3/8 in. (1 x 1 cm)
Classification
Gems
Culture & Period
Etruscan · Hellenistic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of W. Gedney Beatty, 1941
Accession Number
41.160.552
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite banded agate scarab, crafted in the 3rd century BCE during Hellenistic period, exemplifies the Etruscan mastery of miniature gem carving. Measuring just 3/8 x 3/8 inches (1 x 1 cm), this tiny jewel from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Greek and Roman Art Department banded agate—a semi-precious stone prized for its striking natural layers—with gold accents. Donated through the bequest of W. Gedney Beatty 1941, it to the museum's renowned collection of ancient gems and seals. Scarabs like this one, though rooted in Egyptian traditions, were enthusiastically adopted by the Etrusc...