Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Asclepius

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

1/2 in. (0.69 grams, 12 mm).

The oval intaglio engraved with Asclepius standing with head turned to the right, naked upper body, himation draped around his lower body, holding a caduceus with his right hand.

Provenance

Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.

Literature

Cf. for similar Nardelli, B., 'Late Roman Gems from Tilurium in Croatia' in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, pp.130-134, pl.3.

Footnotes

Aesclepius (Latin Esculapius) was the god of the health and protector of doctors. The serpent‐wreathed rod is well detailed, a rendition which finds a direct parallel in a carnelian intaglio in Carnuntum, Austria.

CONDITION

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LOT 0167