Ancient-Jewellery

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Roman Gold Cameo Pendant Cupid & Goose AON

SOLD

Code: 10333



This is an ancient Roman gold cameo pendant, dating to the 3rd century A.D. The hardstone cameo is finely sculpted from a three-layer sardonyx gemstone. It depicts Cupid feeding or capturing a goose, this was a metaphor for hard to tame love, or stubborn love (represented by the goose, one of Venus's birds). This gem is signed with the letters AON, possibly for Aeon the manifestation of 'time' and Aeons 'great age' - or the name of the sculptor! The cameo is intact and perfect for a Roman gem, still set in the original gold pendant in an excavated condition. 

Such a jewel would have been intended and given as a love gift, thus a nice example of an amatory pendant that has transcended time - a wonderful object that can still be gifted again today!

OBJECT: Cameo Pendant

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold & Sardonyx

SIZE: 30mm x 24mm x 8mm (intaglio 16mm x 17mm)

WEIGHT: 6.4 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. D. Rowe collection, London.