/02

THE PALACE OF MINOS, ETC.

Constant
Variation:
to Baffle
Formers.

plishecl in the course of a long period of years, such as we see, for instance,
in Celtic coin-types. Rather we have to do with the rapid and inten-
tional variation of a limited number of types—a variation born of the
wish to baffle forgers of seals.1 Of the existence of such forgeries, indeed,
we have an actual proof from the Knossian Palace, where, in addition to
a series of impressions apparently from a large gold signet ring, a baked
clay matrix was found moulded on one of these. In this connexion,
indeed, it is interesting to observe that No. 3 of the Zakro series is
a replica of this Knossian signet.

d

Fancy
thus
called
into Play,

Rapid
Transfor-
mation of
Types.

/

g

Fig. 525. Fantastic Evolution of Types on Zakro Sealings (f).

The utilitarian impulse that seems to have been at work was very
effective in bringing out the latent ingenuity of the engravers in evolv-
ing one type from another. The playful fancy here shown in calling to
life mere decorative details, and the daring power of combination—at
times of the most incongruous elements—afford illustrations of the indi-
vidual spirit and changing moods of the Minoan artists as in no other
department of his craft.

The types shift and transform themselves like the phantoms ot
a dream. A facing sphinx takes shape again as a winged cherub with lion's
feet (Pig. 525, a).'2 But, hey presto ! the new impersonation in turn dissolves
1 Cf. Hogarth,;/,,//: S., xxii, p. 91. 2 See, too, tail-piece of Section, p. 721.