Egyptian
Scarab, 19th century
Glazed steatite, 1.25 x 0.9 cm (1/2 x 3/8 in.)
This tiny Egyptian scarab is approximately thumbnail size. It is made of glazed stone. This scarab is oval shaped with a flat bottom and a domed upper surface. It is deeply but simply carved to form a simplified beetle form. On one end there is a small triangular central head flanked by a pair of short, thick folded legs or antennae. The rest of the body is defined by a large domed egg shape. The scarab is a slightly translucent, bright, blue-green color. The color is of varying density. The scarab is pitted and worn. The lower flat surface is similarly glazed and deeply incised with a series of irregular intersecting and discreet marks.
Macknight Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.