Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection
Lot 43:
This remarkable Roman artifact, dating to the 2nd – 3rd century AD or later, is a concave rock crystal intaglio featuring a detailed depiction of a wolf’s head. The wolf, an animal often associated with Roman mythology and symbolism, is intricately carved with attention to the texture of the fur and the ferocity of its expression, capturing the essence of the creature in a compact and durable form.
Rock crystal was a highly prized material in antiquity, valued for its clarity and hardness, making it an ideal medium for detailed intaglio work. The concave shape of this piece adds an additional level of craftsmanship, allowing the image to appear almost three-dimensional and providing a unique viewing experience from different angles.
This intaglio would have likely been used as a personal seal or amulet, symbolizing strength, protection, or connection to the legendary Roman she-wolf, symbol of the founding myth of Rome.
D: 1.3cm
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