gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio, CMS, Corpus of Minoan and Mycenaean Seals

Kenna catalogues the Minoan and Mycenaean seals preserved in English private collections as Volume 8 of the Corpus der minoischen und mykenischen Siegel. The volume systematically records individual seals and sealstones, providing descriptions of their forms, materials, engraving, iconography, dimensions, and, where known, provenance and collection history, accompanied by photographs and drawings of the objects and their impressions. The pieces encompass a wide range of materials and types and illustrate the development of Aegean glyptic art from the Early Minoan through the Late Minoan and Mycenaean periods. Subjects represented include human figures, animals, fantastic creatures, religious and cult scenes, architectural and symbolic motifs, and geometric or ornamental designs. Particular attention is paid to stylistic and technical features useful for classification and dating and to comparisons with seals from excavated contexts and other collections. As a corpus rather than a narrative study, the work provides primary documentation for the identification, comparative study, and attribution of Minoan and Mycenaean engraved gems and seals held in British private collections.