Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection
Lot 44:
This striking jasper intaglio, dating to the 2nd – 3rd century AD, likely depicts the Roman god Jupiter, the king of the gods. The intaglio features a muscular figure in a commanding stance, holding what appears to be a thunderbolt in one hand, a symbol traditionally associated with Jupiter. The figure’s dynamic posture and the detailed carving capture the power and authority of the deity, embodying the characteristics for which Jupiter was revered in Roman mythology.
Jasper, with its rich red coloration, was a favored material for intaglios in the Roman world, valued for its durability and the bold contrast it provided against wax or clay when used as a seal. This piece would have served both as a functional object for sealing documents and as a personal talisman, invoking the protection and favor of Jupiter.
L: 2.3cm
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