Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio of a Chiron

Code: 11193

This is an ancient Roman intaglio, dating to the 2nd century A.D. It is cut on a carnelian gemstone, with a lively depiction of a centaur. This likely represents Chiron, the "wisest and justest of all the centaurs". The gem would have originally been set into a gold or silver signet ring, used to seal and authenticate letters and transactions. Today this ancient gem has survived with a large chip to the side, luckily the main design has remained intact still leaves a good impression. 

OBJECT: Intaglio

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Carnelian

SIZE: 12.98mm x 12.18mm x 3.55mm 

WEIGHT: 0.76 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. property of a private collector, Paris.