Gem with Achilles Playing the Cithara

Photograph of an amethyst gem showing a nude male figure seated, playing a stringed instrument. Behind him foliage may be seen. At his feet lies a shield and to his left a sheathed sword, and bow. A Greek inscription runs vertically next to the cithara.

Signed Gem with Achilles Playing the Cithara

Medium:
Amethyst intaglio
Dimensions:
H. 1.7 cm; L. 1.4 cm
Date:
Roman, 75–50 BCE
Inventory Number:
inv. 58.1815
Lender:
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris
Serge Oboukhoff © BnF-CNRS-Maison Archéologie & Ethnologie, René-Ginouvès

The Greek inscription engraved on the gem reads:

ΠΑΜΦΙΛΟΥ

Translation: By (or belonging to) Pamphilos.