Intaglio Gem Depicting Victory

AAT Object Techniqueintaglios (sculptural objects)

AAT Object Form/Functionfigures (representations)

AAT Object Form/Functiongems (worked stones)

Possible OriginVolubilis, Morocco, Africa

CultureRoman

PeriodImperial

Date1st Century CE

MediumMicrocrystalline quartz, var. green chalcedony (possibly color-enhanced)

Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin

Dimensions3/8 x 1/4 x 1/8 in. (1 x 0.7 x 0.4 cm)

Object number2012.032.028

Label TextThe image of Victory carrying a palm branch and extending a wreath are symbols of military triumph which were especially popular on Roman gems from the Augustan period onwards. Perhaps commemorating specific victories, the motif also expressed the individual wearer’s hopes for personal success.
Exhibition HistoryMaking an Impression: The Art and Craft of Ancient Engraved Gemstones, Michael C. Carlos Museum, August 27 - November 27, 2022
Published ReferencesLisbet Thoresen. Archaeogemmology and Ancient Literary Sources on Gems and Their Origins. in Gemstones in the First Millennium AD: Mines, Trade, Workshops, and Symbolism (proceedings of conference held October 20th - 22nd, 2015). Alexandra Hilgner, Susanne Greiff, and Dieter Quast (eds). Roman-Germanic Central Museum. Mainz: 2017. p. 188, fig 17B., p. 200, fig 24B.

ProvenanceSaid to be ex coll. World War II veteran who served in North Africa. Ex coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, purchased from Tom Cederlind (1959-2015), Portland, Oregon, September 29, 2005.

Status

Not on view

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