Object Description
A beautiful ancient Roman, oval garnet intaglio, depicting the profile bust of Julia Domna on its obverse. The Empress, wife of Emperor Septimius Severus, is depicted facing right, her profile finishing at her bust. Her finely carved hair is typical in its style, familiar from other iconographic depictions on coins and busts. The meandering waves of hair present a wig-like hairstyle, with both crimped and braided sections, which are gathered in a bun (chignon) behind her head. She favoured this style in the later years of her reign. Her gaze is focused and showcases, deep-set, almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and full lips. The flowing folds of her garments elegantly frame her chest, mirroring the style of portraiture found on her coins. The reverse of the intaglio is unmarked. A beautifully carved intaglio with a deep red colouring.
Date: Circa late 2nd – 3rd century AD