Hi, all. Here is a very small seal with, I think,
Eros embracing or struggling with
Psyche. Also possible might be two Erotes wrestling, which is a motif known from
Roman gemstones from the 2nd Century CE (
cf. Hendler Collection #100). I also don't know what the curved object rising from the ground line between them might be, perhaps some
type of tool or implement? Any ideas, corrections or references would be welcome. It is also possible that this is not a seal, but rather a decorative piece of some kind, as it could seem like a somewhat delicate object for a seal, but I can't say for certain. The lead appears to be folded over on the back where the cord would have passed through, similar to a seal from the "Tom Vossen
Collection" (Boersema, Dalzell, #219).
Thanks, again. Jimi
BCC LSR25
Lead Seal
Caesarea Maritima
Roman 1st-2nd Century CE
Obv: Winged
Eros, standing to right embracing or struggling with
Psyche? standing to left. Also possible, two Erotes wrestling. Curved
implement on ground between them. Rev: Blank. Typologically irregular
seal, apparently the lead was folded over the
thread. Alternatively,
it may have been some kind of decorative piece, instead.
Pb11 x 10 x 3mm 1.18gm.
Axis:NA
Surface find
Caesarea Maritima, 1970's
(click for larger pic)