Object Description
A fine Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio of Fortuna. Oval in shape with bevelled edges, the intaglio has been intricately engraved on the smaller face with the goddess Fortuna, standing, facing right. Draped and crowned, she has been portrayed with her typical attributes. She holds a cornucopiae in the crook of her right arm and rests her left hand on a gubernaculum, a rudder, at her feet. In her left hand, she holds a poppy seed or ear of grain. Rendered stylistically, her facial features, including her lips and straight nose, and the folds of her drapery have been beautifully detailed. The reverse is plain and unworked. The carnelian presents with a beautiful translucent red colouring, with natural striations of black.
Date: Circa 1st-3rd Century AD