ROMAN INTAGLIO WITH A SOL IN A QUADRIGA IN GOLD RING

Ca. 3-5th Cen. AD
An octagonal-shaped intaglio with an intricate depiction of the god Sol riding a quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses. Sol, a prominent deity in Roman mythology, embodies the sun and its life-giving attributes. In this intaglio, Sol is exquisitely portrayed in a triumphant stance, guiding the quadriga with mastery and authority. The symbolism behind Sol riding a quadriga extends beyond a mere representation of solar power. The quadriga itself signifies dominion and control, emphasizing Sol's role as a celestial charioteer who commands the movements of the sun across the heavens. The unpolished agate intaglio is securely set within a flat-section gold ring boasting a hexagonal profil, and exudes a sense of refined craftsmanship. For a similar, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 81.6.173.
Size: D: 17.53mm / US: 7 1/4 / UK: O; 9.22g
Provenance: Private London collection, UK art market before 2000.
Estimate: GBP 1500 - 3000