Archaeological Museum of Bologna

The beetle shape meets great fortune in etruscan glyptics: its production, which began in the second half of the 6th century BC, persists until the beginning of the second century BC.
Etruscan engravers reached a high technical level already during the first half of the 5th century BC, a period in which, themes drawn from greek mythology, are preferred.

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This gem is a piece of sardonic, decorated with two charcter talking on the flat side. Etruscan inscriptions, Utuze e Achele, are useful in recognize Ulysses and Achilles.The first one has a cloack around his legs, is seated on a foldable stool with a spear; in front of him Achilles is standing on his feet with spear, helmet and shield. The episode which the decoration alludes is not clear and very discussed, since when it was found in late 1737 in Bolsena.

The beetle, now in a golden setting, is one of the most excellent carved stone in the Museum due to its quality and artistic refinment. 

Provenance: Bolsena. University Collection
Datation: First half of 5th century BC
Material: sardonic and a modern setting made of gold
Dimensions: mm 8 x 16 x 12
Inventory #: ori 72