Description
Glyptic Collection of the National Archaeological Museum. Vol. I
Book Summary
This work constitutes the definitive catalog of the glyptic collection of Spain's National Archaeological Museum, focusing on intaglios made from gemstones dating from the Roman and Modern periods. The author, Raquel Casal García, presents an exhaustive and systematic study of each piece, offering the reader an essential tool for the identification, dating, and contextualization of these small works of art. More than a simple inventory, the book provides a detailed analysis of carving techniques, materials used, and the iconography represented, becoming a fundamental reference for specialists and enthusiasts of glyptics, classical archaeology, and art history.
What is it about?
The volume addresses the study of Roman and modern intaglios that are part of the National Archaeological Museum's holdings. Each catalog entry minutely describes the piece, including its material (precious and semi-precious stones), shape, dimensions, state of preservation, and, above all, the scene or figure represented. The work is not limited to formal description, but delves into the iconographic and symbolic interpretation of the motifs, as well as the carving technique employed. Furthermore, each intaglio is contextualized within its historical period, analyzing its possible function (seal, amulet, ornament) and its circulation in the ancient and modern world. The catalog is completed with an introductory study that situates the collection within the landscape of Hispanic and European glyptics.
Main Topics
- Reasoned catalog of Roman and modern intaglios from the National Archaeological Museum.
- Analysis of carving techniques on precious and semi-precious stones.
- Iconographic and symbolic study of mythological, religious, and secular representations.
- Historical and functional contextualization of glyptics in Roman and modern societies.
- Methodology for cataloging and documenting glyptic collections.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at archaeologists, art historians, museum curators, antique collectors, and students of classical disciplines. It will also be of great interest to anyone passionate about glyptics, ancient jewelry, and the material culture of the Roman world and the Modern Age. It is an essential reference work for researchers working with small-format materials and for those who wish to understand the historical and artistic value of intaglios.
What this book provides
- An exhaustive and rigorous catalog of one of the most important glyptic collections in Spain, with detailed descriptions of each piece.
- Keys to the identification and dating of Roman and modern intaglios, facilitating the work of specialists and collectors.
- A deep iconographic analysis that reveals the cultural and religious significance of images carved in gemstones.
- A reference tool for the study of ancient carving techniques and their evolution into the modern era.
- A model of cataloging and documentation applicable to other glyptic collections and similar archaeological materials.
Technical Data Sheet
- Author: Casal García, Raquel
- Publisher: Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. Area d
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: PRECIOUS METALS, PRECIOUS STONES AND JEWELRY: OB, CLASSICAL GREEK AND ROMAN ARCHAEOLOGY, COINS, BANKNOTES, MEDALS AND SEALS (NUMISMATICS)
- Collection: PENDING COLLECTION
- Binding: Others
- Publication Date: January 1990
- Number of pages: 213
- Weight: 600 g
Editorial Assessment
This is a specialized reference work that fills a bibliographic gap in the study of glyptics in Spain. Its rigorous and systematic approach, typical of a museum catalog, makes it an indispensable tool for the researcher and professional. Although its content is highly technical, the clarity of the exposition and the richness of the descriptions allow it to also be used by advanced enthusiasts. It is a valuable acquisition for libraries of cultural institutions, university departments of archaeology and art history, and for serious collectors seeking to deepen their knowledge of their pieces.