gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio, Black Sea, Hermitage

The ancient Greeks traveled widely by sea and founded colonies in far-flung locations. On the north coast of the Black Sea were a number of such Greek settlements, where they made contact with the local Scythian population. Greek goods were traded extensively throughout the region, and many of these often-luxurious items eventually found their way into tombs. Drawing from its rich collection of Greek finds from the Black Sea, the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg lent some 175 objects to an exhibition at the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa. The richly illustrated catalogue accompanying the exhibition features nine essays on the archaeology, history, culture, and art of the northern Black Sea region, covering sculpture, pottery, gems, and jewelry. Written by curators from the State Hermitage Museum, Greeks on the Black Sea reveals an intriguing world that was simultaneously Greek and barbarian. According to Martha Smith (Library Journal), ancient Greek art from this region is not well known due to its presence in Russian collections and infrequent exhibition abroad. This catalog addresses that gap, documenting the 175 objects exhibited at the Getty Museum. Edited by Maria C. Trofimova, head of the Hermitage’s Department of Classical Antiquities, with contributions from 14 Hermitage curators, it includes ten essays, a catalog of objects, nearly 300 illustrations (mostly in color), regional maps, a glossary, bibliography, and list of contributors. While particularly valuable for scholars of ancient civilizations, its accessible essays and stunning objects also make it appealing to general readers with an appreciation for finely crafted antiquities. Recommended for academic libraries.