Ancient Roman Intaglio Diana of the Hunt

Code: 10442

This is an ancient Roman intaglio, dating to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. The intaglio is simply cut with an image of Diana (goddess of the Hunt), drawing an arrow from her quiver, whilst her gound leaps at her side. The gem has a chip to the leg and part of an old filled repair. Such an intaglio would have originally been set into a signet ring, worn by a hunter, or someone seeking divine protection or guidance from Diana (Artemis). She was the hunting goddess, associated with wild animals and woodlands. The intaglio would have acted as a private signature, used to seal wax on letters and transactions. A similar gem was discovred in the Snettisham Jewellers Hoard (see 1986,0401.178 in the British Museum)

OBJECT: Intaglio

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Sard

SIZE: 10mm x 9mm x 3mm 

WEIGHT: 0.6 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. property of a private collector, Paris