Post-Classical Amethyst Gemstone of the Roman Goddess Fortuna

A cameo scene comprising a standing female figure with hair tied in a chignon, approaching a perching eagle with wings spread and clutching a sphere in one claw; the woman drawing the bird's beak close to her forehead; the eagle with claws extended leaning on a branch; exergue below. 118 grams, 87 mm



Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13172-249567.

The eagle is probably a metamorphosed personification of Jupiter, and the globe is a symbol of domain and military power. The scene is an interesting allegorical composition with possible references to the metamorphosis and Jupiter's love affairs, considering the presence of the naked female figure. The peculiar superimposition of the limbs is inspired by ancient models. The scene is engraved on the white layer of the glass paste, characterised by a dark violet second layer (seen with a powerful light from the back). On the back, traces of the glass dough melting. The evident presence of clear engraving marks and the cut glass bubbles confirms the fact that this work is an intaglio (not a cast). A work with a personality, showing undercuts.

Decorated with a repeating motif of acanthus leaves and facing masks of Bacchus; lid of set with an agate intaglio of Saint Jerome kneeling before a crucifix within a rope-twist and dog's tooth border, surrounded by leafy swags on a pounced field; old collector's label 'Walecki Collection 207006' to inner lid. 52.7 grams, 53 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Plano-convex in section, asterisk to underside, eyes drilled to accept inserts. 1.58 grams, 19 mm



Acquired on the European art market in the early 2000s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.