Dioscurides

(Διοσουρίδης), or Diosco'rides.

1. Of Samos, the maker of two mosaic pavements found at Pompeii, in the so-called villa of Cicero. They both represent comic scenes, and are inscribed with the artist's name, ΔΙΟΣΚΟΥΡΙΔΗΣ ΣΑΜΙΟΣ ΕΠΟΙΗΣΕ.

They are entirely of glass, and are among the most beautiful of ancient mosaics. They are fully described by Winckelmann. (Geschichte d. Kunst, bk. 7.4.18, bk. 12.1. §§ 9-11, Naachricht. v. d. neuest. Hercul. Entdeck. § 54, 55.) A woodcut of one of them is given in the Useful Knowledge Society's "Pompeii," ii. p. 41. (See also Mus. Borbon. 4.34.)

2. An engraver of gems in the time of Augustus, engraved a gem with the likeness of Augustus, which was used by that emperor and his successors as their ordinary signet. (Plin. Nat. 37.1, s. 4; Suet. Oct. 50.) In these passages most of the editions give Dioscorides; but the true reading, which is preserved in some MSS., is confirmed by existing gems bearing the name ΔΙΟΣΚΟΥΡΙΔΟΥ. There are several of these gems, but only six are considered genuine. (Meyer's note on Winckelmann, Geschichte d. Kunst. bk. 11.2.8.) [P.S]