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Roman intaglio (Mercury and Fortuna)

Two figures stand facing the centre. At left is a naked male holding what is intended for the caduceus of Mercury, and also a chlamys. At right is a clothed female carrying behind her the cornucopiae which is usually associated with Fortuna, and again a chlamys. At her feet, and in front, a few lines remain of what is probably a steering-oar, though it is mostly lost. The stone is heavily chipped at the top and bottom, and along the centre, obscuring much of the detail. Fresh at the edges, quite worn at the crown.

This is one of 88 engraved gemstones retrieved in 1979, mostly from the filling of a large drain beneath the cold hall of the fortress baths. The gemstones would originally have been set in finger-rings, and served as signets and charms or talismans for their owners. They were products of extremely skilled craftsman who worked on a minute scale without the aid of magnification. The gems are engraved with a wide range of deities, personification and symbols.

Roman intaglio (Mercury and Fortuna)
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Gemstone
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
impression of intaglio
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Roman intaglio (Mercury and Fortuna)
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales

Collection Area

Archaeology & Numismatics

Item Number

81.79H/4.53

Find Information

Site Name: Caerleon Fortress Baths, Caerleon

Grid Reference: ST 33 91
Collection Method: excavation
Date: 1978-1979

Notes: from the site of the frigidarium at the baths

Acquisition

Donation, 6/8/1981

Measurements

length / mm:17.0 (estimated)
width / mm:14.5
thickness / mm:3.3

Material

cornelian

Location

Caerleon: Case 13 Gemstones

Collections Online is updated regularly, but please confirm that an object remains on display before making a special visit.

Categories

Mercury Fortuna
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Roman intaglio (Mercury and Fortuna)
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Gemstone
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
impression of intaglio
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Roman intaglio (Mercury and Fortuna)
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
  • Roman intaglio (Mercury and Fortuna)
  • Gemstone
  • impression of intaglio
  • Roman intaglio (Mercury and Fortuna)