Mars was the god of war, believed to be the father to Romulus and Remus, the first kings of Rome. He also acted as an agricultural guardian, ensuring good harvest to those who gave offerings. The term intaglio refers to a small image that has been engraved into a gemstone and usually set in a piece of jewellery, most commonly a ring. During the Hellenistic period and the early Roman Empire, the art of intaglio reached its apogee, with there being a steady decline in craftsmanship during the late Imperial Rome, until a revival of interest with the Byzantine and during the Renaissance.
Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio with Mars
£ 200.00
A finely carved ancient Roman agate intaglio depicting a helmeted male figure, likely Mars, with a sceptre or spear in his right hand. There is a shield before him, and he is wearing a short tunic. Mars’s left hand is outstretched in front of him, holding a stylised item. According to iconographic tradition, it could be a smaller scale personification of Victory. The reverse of the gemstone is highly polished and undecorated. The agate stone displays a striking orange hue. Some encrustations remain of the surface. There is a hairline crack to the reverse. This piece is supplied with a museum quality impression.
The seal itself weighs 1g.
Provenance: From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980’s; thence by descent of the family in London.
Condition: Fine condition. Hairline crack to the reverse and slight chip to the left of Mars.
SOLD
| Weight | 1.69 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 1.3 x W 0.4 cm |
| Culture | |
| Region | |
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| Roman Mythology |
