A roman republican carnelian intaglio. Shoe of a haruspex.

1st century B.C.

9 x 10 x 2 mm

The Aruspice was a priest whi predicted the future analyzing animals viscera. His attributes and distinctive signs were the ituus and the typical shoe with curved raised point/rear termination. In this gem the shoe is facing left. Groundline. Use of globular elements. Attractive color of the stone. Rare.

Parallels: Antike Gemmen in Deutschen Sammlungen, Band IV, Hannover und Hamburg, n. 237 p. 65.

Monte-Carlo private collection, Mr. P.L, 1982

Estimate: GBP 250 - 400