Roman Epigraphic Gemstone with Symbols

4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (0.84 grams, 17 mm).

An epigraphic gem of oval shape, with a smooth surface on one side and inscriptions of a magical-Christian nature engraved in tondos and tabulae ansatae on the other side, one bearing the Greek letters Α and ω (Alpha and Omega) above the letters I and X.

Provenance

Acquired before 1988.
Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.

Footnotes

The letter Alfa and Omega (A W) are a clear link with a Christian cult, especially in this case in which the two letters are incised over the other two letter Iota and Chi IX, initials of the Greek Iesus Xριστός 'Christ'. The letters Alpha and Omega are symbols of eternity of the Divine Figure (I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, Revelation, 22.13).

CONDITION

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LOT 0609