Ancient Glyptics as a unique form of applied art. The best of Greek masters of the classical period — ​ Dexamen from Chios

Glyptics is the art of carving colored semi-precious stone or precious metals (mainly gold) was widespread and important in ancient times. Works of glyptic were used as a print — ​mark of ownership (public and private), as a talisman, an amulet and as a valuable decoration. All of them were of high level of execution of its carved deep into thumbnail images, the content of which made them not only cult objects, but also the works of art. Over the many centuries of its existence, ancient glyptics reached a high level in its development, providing us with valuable originals, due to peculiarities of the material (durable colored stone), which have reached us without distortions or additions. Some of them can be classified as true masterpieces of glyptic art and world culture. Among them are the gems of the most famous Greek carver of the classical period, Dexamen from Chios, who worked in Athens during the second half of the V century BC. Tremendous value represent the works of ancient glyptic of different epochs and territories as a credible, reliable cultural and historical source, important for the research in different directions (in particular — ​for the study of religions, mythologies, the specifics of historical periods) and as a wonderful artistic material