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Double-Sided Pendant Seal with a Persian Hunting and Herakles (side A)

Unknown-0400

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

This is side A of a double-sided pendant seal. A small number of Achaemenid seals take the form of tear-shaped chalcedony pendants engraved on both sides. All appear to be products of a single workshop, probably in one of the empire’s western satrapies (perhaps in Lydia or Ionia). On one side of this drop-shaped pendant a mounted Persian shoots arrows at a running hyena, while on the other side a nude, unbearded Herakles stands with club raised and a lion’s skin draped over one arm. Greek deities and other themes were only rarely employed on Achaemenid gems, and the significance is uncertain.

Details

  • Title: Double-Sided Pendant Seal with a Persian Hunting and Herakles (side A)
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: -0400
  • Location Created: Achaemenid (Persian) Empire, Asia Minor
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: White chalcedony
  • Culture: Achaemenid
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Accession Number: 85.AN.370.24

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