Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with a Pegasus

Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with a Pegasus

$825.00 Sale

A very beautiful ancient Roman carnelian intaglio gem carved with an image of a Pegasus. Dates to circa the  2nd - 3rd century AD. Length: 9 mm.

cf.: Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, accession no. 1933.604

Formerly of a United Kingdom; subsequently a London collection.

In ancient Rome, the Pegasus was a symbol of strength, power, and freedom and was also seen as a symbol of divine inspiration, with power and protection of the gods. The Pegasus was thought to be a magical animal, able to travel between the realms of mortals, gods and the heavens.