Matrix for a Gnostic Sealing
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
MEDIUM
Metal
DATES
2nd-3rd century C.E.
DYNASTY
Dynasty 25 to Dynasty 30
PERIOD
Roman Period
DIMENSIONS
9/16 x 1 9/16 x 13/16 in. (1.5 x 4 x 2 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
77.128.2
CREDIT LINE
Brooklyn Museum Collection
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
One metal matrix from which so-called Gnostic sealings could be made. The main figure is Abraxas, the anguipede cock in armor. The matrix, itself of a silver colored metal, is set into a bronze colored metal. The main motif of the matrix, in sunken relief, is a representation of the serpent-footed rooster, with a human body- Abraxas. Gnostic symbols surround the representation which is facing to the left.
Condition: Both the matrix and the metal into which it is set are oval shaped. The back of the object may have originally contained a decoration in sunken relief as well but the surface is too effaced to make an educated guess about what once was there.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Egyptian. Matrix for a Gnostic Sealing, 2nd-3rd century C.E. Metal, 9/16 x 1 9/16 x 13/16 in. (1.5 x 4 x 2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, 77.128.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.77.128.2_back.jpg)
IMAGE
back,
CUR.77.128.2_back.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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