Oval gem with Kassandra kneeling at Palladion. Greek, Late Hellenistic Period, Late 1st century B.C. Chalkis, Euboea, Greece, Length (without setting): 21 mm (13/16 in.). Sard. 27.713. Francis Bartlett Donation of 1912. © 2013 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Intaglio. Image carved on convex side. Set in modern gold bezel and loop ring. Kassandra, nude except for a garment draped over her right thigh and upper arm, kneels before a statuette of armed Athena (the Trojan Palladion). She bows her head and holds a branch in her left hand, while clasping the image of Athena with her right. Her hair flows down her neck and shoulders in waves; she wears a laurel wreath. Her torso is rendered in three-quarters view, while the head and legs are in profile. The statuette of Athena stands with one leg forward, wearing a long, belted garment (chiton) and a crested helmet. She holds a spear across her left shoulder; and on her right arm, a shield decorated with a gorgon's head. The statue is placed upon a rectangular pedestal, atop a separate plinth. Motif situated on a ground line.