In Ancient Roman society, jewellery was an essential accessory, providing the wearer with a public display of their wealth, social status, and identity. Roman jewellery at first followed the trends set by the Etruscans, employing the use of gold and glass beads. As the power and reach of the Roman empire increased, jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate, utilising many different materials, techniques, and styles found across the expanding empire. Fortuna, the daughter of Jupiter and Greek counterpart Tyche, is the goddess of good luck, fortune and prosperity. The cornucopia is represented by a horn which was endlessly overflowing with fruits and vegetables symbolising Fortuna’s attribute of many gifts of fortune. Fortuna’s cult was widespread across the Roman Empire, she was acknowledged publicly for the protection of the state but also privately for voyages and individual fates. Many would worship Fortuna on the 1st of January in the hope the goddess would bless the new year. She had many temples placed around the Empire and was worshipped by all including soldiers, low class, upper class and even the Emperor, each for individual prosperity and good fortune.
Ancient Roman Iron Ring Bezel with Agate Intaglio
£ 475.00
An Ancient Roman dark agate intaglio set in an iron ring, of which the band is now missing. The intaglio depicts a mirrored figural scene of Fortuna. Both figures of the deity are wearing floor length robes and holding a cornucopia. In between are two profile busts of the god Sol and goddess Luna facing each other. A legend can be seen at waist level of the Fortunas. The oval bezel has corroded with age, some tarnish from the iron transferring onto the agate. The piece is supplied with a museum quality impression.
Weight of ring bezel with intaglio: 3.82g
Provenance: From a Swiss collection, 1980’s onwards. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.
Condition: Good condition, ring is fragmentary with only the bezel remaining, some rusting to the iron.
In stock
| Weight | 5.59 g |
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| Dimensions | W 2.3 x H 1.4 cm |
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