Carnelian scarab
Unknown Artist
3rd century BCE
Medium
Carnelian
Dimensions
H.: 5/16 x 7/16 in. (0.8 x 1.1 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
41.160.681
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite carnelian scarab, dating to the 3rd century BCE, exemplifies Etruscan artistry during the Hellenistic period. Crafted by an unknown artist, this tiny gem—measuring just 5/16 x 7/16 inches—belongs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Greek and Roman Art collection, to the 1941 bequest of W. Gedney Beatty Scarabs, beetle-shaped amulets originating in Egypt, were widely adopted across the Mediterranean, symbolizing rebirth and protection. In Etruscan, they blended local tastes with Eastern influences, reflecting vibrant trade networks. Carved from carnelian, a durable red-orange ch...