apuleiaprimilla:Cornelian gem engraved with a scene from the 20th book of the Iliad, depicting Achil
apuleiaprimilla:Cornelian gem engraved with a scene from the 20th book of the Iliad, depicting Achilles attacked by Hector, after having killed his brother Polydorus. “But Achilles with his spear went on after godlike Polydorus, son of Priam. Him would his father nowise suffer to fight, for that among his children he was the youngest born and was dearest in his eyes; and in swiftness of foot he surpassed all. And lo, now in his folly, making show of his fleetness of foot, he was rushing through the foremost fighters, until he lost his life. Him swift-footed goodly Achilles smote full upon the back with a cast of his spear, as he darted past, even where the golden clasps of the belt were fastened, and the corselet overlapped; through this straight on its way beside the navel passed the spear-point, and he fell to his knees with a groan and a cloud of darkness enfolded him, and as he sank he clasped his bowels to him with his hands. But when Hector beheld his brother Polydorus, clasping his bowels in his hand and sinking to earth, down over his eyes a mist was shed, nor might he longer endure to range apart, but strode against Achilles, brandishing his sharp spear, in fashion like a flame.”Iliad, 20, 406-424.The gem bears the greek signature of the engraver: BOHΘΟΥ, “(made) by Boethos”. -- source link