Baltic Amber
Medium0.6 grams
Dimensions13.94 x 10.95 mm
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineThe Edward Arthur Metzger Gemstone Collection
Terms
- Costume
Object numberEAM 524
Label CopyPliny looks to the preservation of insects in amber as proof of its origin as tree resin. In his discussion of Baltic amber, he mentions that the German name for amber is glaesum, which shares the same root as English (“glass”). Amongst the Gutones (in modern-day Poland), amber was so plentiful that Pliny claims it was even burned as fuel.The transparency of amber was especially prized, although Pliny objects to the fact that amber “plays an important part in the making of artificial transparent gems, particularly artificial amethysts” (37.51), claiming that it could be tinted with the root of alkanet (a plant that was often used in antiquity for rouge (37.48). As in his discussions of medicines, metals, and pigments, Pliny is especially concerned about the adulteration of materials—not just because it deceives potential buyers, but more importantly because it violates the integrity of Nature herself.
(Verity J. Platt, “Wonder and Wakefulness: The Nature of Pliny the Elder,” exhibition organized by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, curated by Andrew C. Weislogel and Verity J. Platt, presented at the Johnson Museum January 21–June 11, 2023)
