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The basis of this remarkable collection consists of
artifacts found during archaeological excavations on the Northern Black Sea coast, above
all objects from the area of the Bosporan Kingdom on the coast of the straits of Kerch
(former Cimmerian Bosporus). Jewellery from the barrows of the Bosporan aristocracy
enables us to trace the development of local crafts, from the reproduction of objects
brought from Greece and imitation Scythian style pieces, right up to the creation of
original works of art combining Greek and Scythian traditions.
The collection includes such prominent items as the gilded
cover from a Scythian quiver decorated with scenes from the life of Achilles (Chertomlyk
Barrow, 4th century BC); an exquisite example of the famed microtechnique
(extremely fine filigree and chasing) - an electrum vessel chased with multi-figured
compositions on Scythian subjects; a gold torque or necklace, its ends in the form of
Scythian riders; and the masterpiece of the collection, temple pendants in the form of the
head of the Virgin Athena (Kul-Oba Barrow, 4th century BC), probably a
reproduction of the head of a statue by Phidias, the renowned 5th-century Greek
sculptor.
The most important section consists of jewellery brought
directly from Greece; the earliest pieces are wonderful earrings with lion head reliefs
(necropolis in the antique town of Olbia, 5th century BC). Of great interest
are a gold phial or bowl for libation on an altar, the outer surface of which is
completely covered with relief pattern (Kul-Oba Barrow, 4th century BC), a
necklace and earrings from the necropolis in the town of Theodosia (4th century
BC) in the microtechnique typical of the goldsmiths of Athens. Also of interest is the
exquisite pectoral, a special breast decoration from the Bolshaya Bliznitsa Barrow (4th
century BC) and a remarkable series of ring-seals with engraved images, the backs of which
often bear small figures of a reclining lion or scarab (from the same barrow). A sumptuous
gold diadem with a ‘Hercules knot', decorated with Scythian garnets and a miniature
eagle holding Eros in its talons, is typical of the polychrome style of the Hellenistic
period (3rd –1st centuries BC), distinguished by its bright
colour, extensive use of precious and semi-precious stones, enamel and coloured glass
(Artyukhovsky Barrow, 3rd-2nd centuries BC). There is also a rich
collection of exquisite silver vessels of varied form. Among the works of the Roman
period, very interesting is the portrait gold mask from the burial of Riskouporides III (3rd
century AD).
The Hermitage collection of antique gems consists of over
10,000 items and shows the whole development of glyptics, or engraved gemstones, over the
course of 20 centuries. The most ancient section consists of intaglio seals of the Aegean
era (2nd millenium BC), including an expressive portrayal of two fighting lions
and a deer engraved on sard. The height of the Classic period is represented by numerous
pieces; the most valuable are the works of Dexamenos (5th century BC), signed
seals with a flying heron on chalcedony and a horse with a broken bridle on jasper. The
Hellenistic era is represented by the world-famous masterpiece known as the Gonzaga Cameo
(3rd century BC) with allegorical portraits of the ruler of Egypt, King Ptolemy
II Phyladelphius, and his wife Arsinoe, and the wonderful sard cameo with the head of Zeus
(late 1st century BC – 4th century AD). Roman carved gems were
notable for their great formality and austere solemnity and are represented by portrayals
of numerous Roman emperors, gods, and heroes. Pieces from the late Roman period are also
of interest, with gem-amulets bearing astral symbols, figures of demons and invocations
If you enjoyed this collection, you might want to also visit the other collections at the State Hermitage Museum.
Oriental Jewellery
Western European Jewellery
Ancient Coins
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Nike Driving a Quadriga
Gold earring
Full description
Pendant with the Head of Athena Parthenos
Attica
Full description
Necklace
(pectoral)
Full description
The Arimaspi Fighting Griffins Calathos
(headdress)
Full description
Dexamenos -- Intaglio
Flying Heron
Full description
Medusa the Gorgon
Intaglio
Full description
The Gonzaga Cameo
Full description
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