1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN CHALCEDONY INTAGLIO WITH A QUADRIGA
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
Driven by a figure of Helios or Nike, 0.9 x 0.7 cm., 1.6 cm. across inner hoop; and a pale blue opaque glass intaglio with centaur, the figure cantering with one arm bent at the elbow, the other in front holding a bow(?), with traces of later gilding, worn, 1.4 x 1.1 cm., 1.8 cm. across inner hoop, both in later ring settings (2)

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Lot Essay

Item two: centaurs were creatures with the head and torso of a man but hindquarters of a horse. They came from Thessaly and were followers of Dionysos, given to lechery and drunkenness. Some however were known for their wisdom, including the famous teacher Cheiron, whom on death was placed in the stars by Zeus and became part of the constellation Sagittarius.

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