Ancient Carved Ambers In The J. Paul Getty Museum

This catalogue, first published in 2012, presents a group of remarkable amber sculptures from the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum - the second largest collection of this material in the United States and one of the most important in the world: fifty-six Etruscan, Greek, and Italic works dating from around 650 to 300 BC.

Preceded by a general introduction to ancient amber, this book offers a complete description of each work, including typology, style, chronology, provenance, condition, and iconography. Through reproductions and excerpts from classical texts, the catalogue explores the myths and legends woven around amber - its use in magic and medicine, its transportation and carving, and its incorporation into jewellery, amulets and other prestige objects.