Object Description
An Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio stone featuring carvings on both sides. Depicted to the front An Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio stone featuring carvings on both sides. Depicted to the front is Minerva, the goddess of war and wisdom. She is shown standing and facing right, draped in a voluminous peplos. Her attributes are finely carved on the stone: a well-defined helmet atop her head, a long spear wielded in her right hand and a phiale in her left. The stone’s field is further adorned by a large shield, which stands upright on the ground, and a dedicated fire altar to the goddess’ right. To the reverse, an equestrian scene sees a large horse with its rider carved horizontally. The man is depicted while holding a spear, suggesting a prelude to a combat or triumphal scene.
Date: Circa 1st – 3rd Century AD