Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0120
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fortuna
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (1.33 grams, 16 mm).
The oval intaglio depicting the goddess standing, facing right, dressed in peplos, holding a steering-oar and cornucopia.
Provenance
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Literature
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1749.
Footnotes
Fortuna was the Roman equivalent of the Greek Tyche, and was the goddess of fate, chance and luck. The cornucopia symbolises the abundance of good luck that people hoped for in worshipping her and the rudder symbolises her steering the destiny of people. In the city of Rome, she had a temple in the Forum Boarium. The goddess had many aspects such as Fortuna Augusta, the luck of the emperor and the Imperial family, Fortuna Publica, the luck of the people, and Fortuna Obsequens, indulgent fortune, amongst many others.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0120
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fortuna
Estimate £700 - 900€810 - 1,040 (for guidance only)$950 - 1,220 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Glass Double Unguentarium with Handles
4th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Pale green with two flared tubes with everted rims, triangular-shaped lateral handles. 57 grams, 10.2 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Terracotta Lamp with Butcher's Shop Scene
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
The discoid body with loop handle, volute nozzle and ring foot, displaying a raised butcher's shop scene to the discus; handle repaired. 87 grams, 12.2 cm
Ex collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Asclepius
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
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. 0.69 grams, 12 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
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.
