No. 100099320

Sold
Ancient Roman, Republic Carnelian Intaglio - 20 mm  (No reserve price)
Final bid
€ 310
4 days ago

Ancient Roman, Republic Carnelian Intaglio - 20 mm (No reserve price)

A finely engraved Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio depicting Victoria (Nike), the winged personification of Victory, shown in a dynamic pose with outspread wings and holding a vertical staff or sceptre. The figure is rendered with elegant proportions and a confident, fluid incision, characteristic of Early Imperial Roman glyptic art. The iconography of Victoria was widely employed in Roman antiquity, especially in personal seal stones, where it conveyed victory, success, divine favour, and protection. The semi-kneeling posture represented here is a less common but well-documented variant, often interpreted as an act of consecration or commemoration of victory rather than flight. The gemstone is a warm orange-red carnelian, a material highly favoured by Roman engravers for its hardness, durability, and excellent sealing properties. Such intaglios were typically mounted in gold or silver signet rings and used both practically and symbolically. Comparable Roman intaglios with Winged Victory are preserved in major museum collections, including the British Museum, the Vatican Museums, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Vienna), supporting both the attribution and dating of this piece. A refined and historically meaningful object, well suited for collectors of Roman antiquities, engraved gems, and classical mythology. Culture: Ancient Roman Date: ca. 1st century AD (Early Roman Empire) Material: Carnelian (chalcedony) Technique: Intaglio engraving Dimensions: 20 × 15 mm Condition: Very good; clear engraving with light surface wear consistent with age Provenance: European private collection (acquired before 2023) The item will be shipped carefully and professionally packaged to ensure maximum protection during transit. The gemstone will be securely wrapped and placed in a rigid protective box. Shipping will be carried out via tracked and insured courier service. A tracking number will be provided immediately after dispatch.

No. 100099320

Sold
Ancient Roman, Republic Carnelian Intaglio - 20 mm  (No reserve price)

Ancient Roman, Republic Carnelian Intaglio - 20 mm (No reserve price)

A finely engraved Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio depicting Victoria (Nike), the winged personification of Victory, shown in a dynamic pose with outspread wings and holding a vertical staff or sceptre. The figure is rendered with elegant proportions and a confident, fluid incision, characteristic of Early Imperial Roman glyptic art.

The iconography of Victoria was widely employed in Roman antiquity, especially in personal seal stones, where it conveyed victory, success, divine favour, and protection. The semi-kneeling posture represented here is a less common but well-documented variant, often interpreted as an act of consecration or commemoration of victory rather than flight.

The gemstone is a warm orange-red carnelian, a material highly favoured by Roman engravers for its hardness, durability, and excellent sealing properties. Such intaglios were typically mounted in gold or silver signet rings and used both practically and symbolically.

Comparable Roman intaglios with Winged Victory are preserved in major museum collections, including the British Museum, the Vatican Museums, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Vienna), supporting both the attribution and dating of this piece.

A refined and historically meaningful object, well suited for collectors of Roman antiquities, engraved gems, and classical mythology.
Culture: Ancient Roman
Date: ca. 1st century AD (Early Roman Empire)
Material: Carnelian (chalcedony)
Technique: Intaglio engraving
Dimensions: 20 × 15 mm
Condition: Very good; clear engraving with light surface wear consistent with age
Provenance: European private collection (acquired before 2023)

The item will be shipped carefully and professionally packaged to ensure maximum protection during transit.
The gemstone will be securely wrapped and placed in a rigid protective box.

Shipping will be carried out via tracked and insured courier service.
A tracking number will be provided immediately after dispatch.

Final bid
€ 310
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Estimate  € 400 - € 500

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