Intaglio of Zeus Gigantomachos

Description During the contest between Zeus and the giants (the Gigantomachy), Zeus, shown in his chariot, tramples two giants in human form with serpent legs. The prototype for this intaglio is a gem now in the National Museum of Naples. Both are signed in Greek "Athenion," the name of an ancient gem engraver.

Provenance Duke of Marlborough; Marlborough Gems Sale, 1870, no. 15; Henry Walters, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Mrs. Henry Walters, New York, 1931, by inheritance; Sale, Joseph Brummer, New York; Walters Art Museum, 1942, by purchase.

Inscriptions [Signature] Athenion

Credit Museum purchase, 1942