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LOT 0165
Roman Burnt Carnelian Gemstone with Mars and Minerva
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.87 grams, 14 mm).
The oval intaglio with Mars Ultor and Minerva facing each other; Mars to the left with a spear in raised left hand, armed with helmet, armour and sword, his right hand resting on the shield beside him; Minerva to the right, wearing a helmet, shield and aegis.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. very similar image of Mars in Platz-Horster, G., ‘Die antiken Gemmen aus Xanten. Teil III: Neufunde, Neuerwerbungen, Nachtrage und Auswertung,’ in Xantener Berichte, Band 15, Grabung-Forschung-Präsentation, Mainz, 2009, pp.129-182, p.155, cat.no.33.
FootnotesMars Ultor and Minerva were both linked with Roman war imagery. Mars represented military power, the strength of the army and violence in battle, Minerva strategy, tactics and intelligence in war. All these qualities were complementary and necessary to win the war. The gemstone was probably a gift for a soldier.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0165
Roman Burnt Carnelian Gemstone with Mars and Minerva
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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