Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection
Lot 31:
This exquisite Roman necklace, dating from the 2nd century A.D., showcases the opulence and artistry of ancient jewellery design. The necklace is composed of finely worked gold chain interspersed with polished beads of rich red agate and deep purple amethyst, materials highly valued in the Roman world for their beauty and believed protective properties.
The centrepiece of this elegant necklace is a 3D gold pendant featuring a finely crafted female portrait in high relief. The portrait, likely representing a goddess or a noblewoman, exhibits the meticulous detail characteristic of Roman goldsmiths, with attention given to the hairstyle, facial features, and draped garment, all intricately rendered to create a lifelike appearance.
The combination of luxurious materials and the artistic quality of the portrait make this necklace not only a piece of jewellery but also a work of art, reflecting the social status and refined taste of its original owner. Such necklaces were worn by wealthy Roman women as symbols of status and as personal adornments that also served to display their wealth and cultural sophistication.
L: 27.5cm
Total weight: 17g
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