Late Roman Pink Agate Amuletic Intaglio Seal






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Amuletic Intaglio Seal in pink agate, Late Roman, circa 3rd–4th century AD, oval with a trapezoid profile and a convex reverse, featuring two stylised figures on the obverse and the inscription WPEOP, with dimensions about 1.8 cm by 1.6 cm and a longitudinal suspension perforation now blocked, in Good condition and authenticated as Original/official.
Description from the seller
A fine Late Roman pink agate intaglio featuring a scene with two humanoid figures. The intaglio is oval in shape with a trapezoid profile and a convex reverse. The obverse has been carved with two stylised figures facing each other, with one on the right handing an ambiguous object to the figure on the left. Inscribed letters 'WPEOP' are visible beneath the figures. The reverse is smooth and unadorned. The seal is perforated longitudinally for suspension, now blocked. Signs of wear as consistent with age such as minor scratches and pitting to the obverse. Minor chipping to the edges.
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. Such artistic form has its origin in Sumer in the 4th millennium BC, with the appearance of cylinder and stamp seals, whereby decorations and patterns were engraved into soft stones. During the Hellenistic period and the early Roman Empire, the art of intaglio reached its apogee, with there being a steady decline in craftsmanship in the late Imperial Rome, until a revival of interest with the Byzantine and during the Renaissance.
Measurements: (circa) L 1.8cm x W 1.6cm
Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Seller's Story
A fine Late Roman pink agate intaglio featuring a scene with two humanoid figures. The intaglio is oval in shape with a trapezoid profile and a convex reverse. The obverse has been carved with two stylised figures facing each other, with one on the right handing an ambiguous object to the figure on the left. Inscribed letters 'WPEOP' are visible beneath the figures. The reverse is smooth and unadorned. The seal is perforated longitudinally for suspension, now blocked. Signs of wear as consistent with age such as minor scratches and pitting to the obverse. Minor chipping to the edges.
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. Such artistic form has its origin in Sumer in the 4th millennium BC, with the appearance of cylinder and stamp seals, whereby decorations and patterns were engraved into soft stones. During the Hellenistic period and the early Roman Empire, the art of intaglio reached its apogee, with there being a steady decline in craftsmanship in the late Imperial Rome, until a revival of interest with the Byzantine and during the Renaissance.
Measurements: (circa) L 1.8cm x W 1.6cm
Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
