Ancient Roman, Empire Carnelian Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with Helmeted Bust of Minerva (Athena)
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€ 240
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 600 - € 750
 | €240 | |
|---|---|---|
| €200 |
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Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with Helmeted Bust of Minerva (Athena), circa 1st–2nd century AD, in excellent condition, measuring 13.0 × 11.8 mm and 0.3 g.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with Helmeted Bust of Minerva (Athena)
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–2nd century AD
0.3 g. and 13.0 × 11.8 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A beautifully engraved and extremely rare Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio depicting the helmeted bust of Minerva (Greek Athena) in profile to the left.
Despite its remarkably small dimensions, the ancient gem cutter succeeded in creating an exceptionally expressive miniature portrait. The goddess is represented with a finely delineated face, prominent nose, clearly defined lips and chin, while her neck and draped shoulder emerge below. Most striking is her elaborate crested helmet, with its impressive plume sweeping backwards above the head.
The combination of the helmet, feminine profile and draped bust strongly points towards Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategy, craftsmanship and warfare, identified with the Greek Athena. Helmeted profile representations of Minerva are well documented among Roman engraved gems, with closely related examples preserved in important museum collections.
A Masterpiece in Miniature:
Roman intaglios were far more than decorative gemstones. Such gems were originally mounted into finger rings and could function as personal signets, their deeply engraved negative image producing a positive impression when pressed into wax or another soft sealing material.
At only 13 mm, the remarkable amount of surviving detail is particularly impressive. The engraver had to create the goddess's facial features, helmet, sweeping crest and drapery within an area scarcely larger than a fingernail.
The stone itself displays an attractive deep reddish-orange translucent colour, characteristic of carnelian, a material especially favoured by Roman gem engravers.
A highly attractive and finely engraved Roman intaglio, combining classical iconography, excellent miniature workmanship and the beautiful translucency of ancient carnelian.
An exceptional miniature work of Roman glyptic art and an excellent collector's piece.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with Helmeted Bust of Minerva (Athena)
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–2nd century AD
0.3 g. and 13.0 × 11.8 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A beautifully engraved and extremely rare Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio depicting the helmeted bust of Minerva (Greek Athena) in profile to the left.
Despite its remarkably small dimensions, the ancient gem cutter succeeded in creating an exceptionally expressive miniature portrait. The goddess is represented with a finely delineated face, prominent nose, clearly defined lips and chin, while her neck and draped shoulder emerge below. Most striking is her elaborate crested helmet, with its impressive plume sweeping backwards above the head.
The combination of the helmet, feminine profile and draped bust strongly points towards Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategy, craftsmanship and warfare, identified with the Greek Athena. Helmeted profile representations of Minerva are well documented among Roman engraved gems, with closely related examples preserved in important museum collections.
A Masterpiece in Miniature:
Roman intaglios were far more than decorative gemstones. Such gems were originally mounted into finger rings and could function as personal signets, their deeply engraved negative image producing a positive impression when pressed into wax or another soft sealing material.
At only 13 mm, the remarkable amount of surviving detail is particularly impressive. The engraver had to create the goddess's facial features, helmet, sweeping crest and drapery within an area scarcely larger than a fingernail.
The stone itself displays an attractive deep reddish-orange translucent colour, characteristic of carnelian, a material especially favoured by Roman gem engravers.
A highly attractive and finely engraved Roman intaglio, combining classical iconography, excellent miniature workmanship and the beautiful translucency of ancient carnelian.
An exceptional miniature work of Roman glyptic art and an excellent collector's piece.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 1st–2nd century AD
Name of object
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with Helmeted Bust of Minerva (Athena)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Carnelian
Country acquired from
Austria
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
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.
