Ancient Near Eastern Cylinder Seals from the Marcopoli Collection

The Marcopoli Collection of Ancient Near Eastern Seals

The Marcopoli Collection of ancient Near Eastern cylinder and stamp seals offers a remarkable window into the art and history of Syria and surrounding regions. Established in the late 19th century by the Marcopoli family, hereditary Italian consuls in Aleppo, this collection is a testament to their fascination with archaeology and commitment to preserving relics of the past. Under Paolo Marcopoli's stewardship, the collection expanded significantly and stands today as a treasure trove of artifacts, particularly rich in Syrian seals from the third and early second millennia. These seals are invaluable for enhancing our understanding of Syrian glyptic art, adding new layers of iconographical data and exceptional artistry to the historical record.

This catalogue focuses primarily on the collection's cylinder seals, providing detailed descriptions and insights into their styles and iconography, and classifies the seals based on established conventions. The seals' broad geographic origins—from Syria to southern and northern Mesopotamia, and potentially Iran—further enrich the collection's diversity. This work is essential for scholars and enthusiasts of ancient Near Eastern history and art, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage, complete with meticulous documentation and cross-references to other significant collections. A forthcoming catalogue will explore the equally fascinating stamp seals of this collection.

This title was originally published in 1984.

The Marcopoli Collection of ancient Near Eastern cylinder and stamp seals offers a remarkable window into the art and history of Syria and surrounding regions. Established in the late 19th century by the Marcopoli family, hereditary Italian consuls in Aleppo, this collection is a testament to their fascination with archaeology and commitment to preserving relics of the past.