gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio

This three-part first volume of Antike Gemmen in deutschen Sammlungen catalogues the ancient engraved gems and glass pastes in the Staatliche Münzsammlung, Munich. Part 1 covers Greek gems from the Minoan period through the late Hellenistic age; Part 2 treats Italic gems from Etruscan through Roman Republican times together with pre-Imperial Italian glass pastes; and Part 3 covers gems and glass pastes of the Roman Imperial period and provides supplementary entries. The catalogue documents individual objects according to material, form, dimensions, engraving, subject, style, date, and provenance where known, with photographs and comparative discussion. Taken together, the three parts provide a chronological survey of glyptic art from the Bronze Age through the Roman Empire and a detailed reference for the study of ancient gemstone engraving, iconography, materials, and workmanship.