A very fine and rare roman chalcedony intaglio. Astragals with palm branch.
7 x 10 x 2 mm
At the center of the composition is a palm branch, symbol of victory, surrounded by four astragals in different positions: frontal, back and side view. This kind of representation can be considered extremely rare and with a particular historical interest. The presence of astragals in the glyptic is evidenced by very few specimens, one of which dates back to the greek era (see J. Boardman, Greek gems and finger rings, n. 543) And another case from the roman period (See Manifattura Paoletti, matrix in glass inv. MR 24357 n. 327 "Il gioco degli Aliossi dedicato a Venere" ). In this case, the unpublished representation can be understood as the same astragal seen from different angles, a very unusual and virtuosic way of dealing with the subject. This gem was likely to belong to a winning and lucky player, so much to commemorate his victories with this extraordinary auspicious allegorical emblem. Very high skilled execution for the engraving and great precision for the rendering of details. Use of globular elements. Attractive variety of chalcedony with honey reflections on the edge. Slight wear marks.
1st century B.C. - 1st century AD.