Ancient Roman carnelian gem intaglio of Victory driving a biga chariot

Code: 12170

This is an ancient Roman carnelian intaglio, dating to the 1st century AD. It is nicely cut with a depiction of a Victory driving a lively biga chariot, she is depicted winged and holding a palm branch. The horses are well cut with plenty of action and movement. Sadly it has a chip to the lower edge, but this only affects one hoof! Such a gem would have once been set into a gold or silver military signet ring, used to seal and authenticate letters and dispatches. Today this ancient gem has survived in excavated condition, ideal to be reset into a gold signet ring or added to your collection.

OBJECT: Intaglio

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c.1st century AD

MATERIAL: Carnelian

SIZE: 15.5mm x 10.3mm x 3.8mm

WEIGHT: 1 gram

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a Private Collection, Ontario, Canada