A roman heliotrope intaglio. Fight scene with two gladiators.

2nd century A.D.

16 x 19 x 2 mm

Two gladiators are facing each other, over a ground line. Both are equipped with similar armament, but with variants. The fighter on the right has an helmet with a closed visor; left arm armed with a curved sword and covered by protection; belt and pelvis protection; greaves and closed shoes. The warrior on the left always has a similar helmet with a closed visor, greaves, belt but has leather belts on his back that hold a breastplate (?); arm armed with a sharp pointed sword with arm protection. The left arm instead holds an ax. His shield is on the ground. His opponent instead protects himself from his violent attack with the shield. The scene is strongly inspired by Roman mosaics. The choice of the dark green heliotrope with vivid red inclusions, to symbolize the blood, the death and the violence of the clash, makes this rare representation very interesting and extraordinary. Parallels: AGKM (Kunst Museum), n. 1701; AGDS Berlin, n. 482. E. Z-Dihel, Die Gemmen und Kameen des Dreikonigenschreines, n. 259 (in heliotrope. The gladiator is described as a "secutor"). AGDM (Munchen) n. 2384. L.P.B. Stefanelli, La Collezione Paoletti, vol. I, n. 560-561 for a very close type (tomo II, cas. 8).

Provenance: UK private collection, acquired in the London art market 1990s.