Classical antiquity - Ancient seals, cameos and intaglios
Ancient seals, cameos and intaglios
The ancient techniques of hardstone engraving, which originated in the ancient Near East and culminated with innovations and new developments in the Mediterranean, are represented in our online shop by fascinating examples of cylinder seals, scarabs, cameos and intaglios. Early cylinder and stamp seals from the ancient Near East deserve special credit. They are manifest reflections of the earliest urban cultures and religions in this region. Sassanian seals represent a special group among the seals from the Near East. They differ from other seals in their shape, but also in motifs which were influenced by the unique mythological and religious concepts of the Sassanids. Scarabs from Egypt represent another type of seals and are thought to be the most important symbol of regeneration. They are figuratively as sacred to Egyptians as the Holy Cross to Christians. Scarab seals became popular even outside of Egypt, especially in the Levant, where they were adapted to other religious and personal needs. The glyptic arts reached their peak during Hellenistic and Roman times, so that a Roman intaglio or cameo is a must-have for every collection. Cameos and intaglios from these era mostly depict divine and human figures, as well as endemic plants and animals.-
Clay impressions of Roman seals
The ancient impressions in clay are from papyrus documents issued and sealed in Roman times. A fantastic testimonial to Roman bureaucracy.
€250Gnostic intaglio with magic spellThe two sides show a woman with lion's head and a magical text. The piece is from the period of Gnosticism in the 2nd and 3rd century.
€1,200Roman intaglio with goddess of victoryThe glass paste features Victoria writing the names of victors in battle on a large shield.
€340Roman intaglio with young satyrNice white-banded, orange-brown glass paste. It shows the spirit of nature in extasy.
€220Roman intaglio with person in mantleAn ancient intaglio from Roman times made of nice orange glass paste. It shows a person leaning on a sword or rudder stock.
€145Roman glass paste with goatThe ancient intaglio shows a goat standing on its hind legs. The front legs are placed against an object. Wonderful details in the dark glass.
€285Etruscan scarab with woman and jugThe high quality work of miniature art shows a woman fetching water. A showpiece of late Etruscan glyptics made of beautiful carnelian.
€3,120Etruscan scarab with athletesMiniature work of art of the highest quality, a flagship of late Etruscan glyptics. Made of shimmering orange carnelian. Published several times and with provenance dating back to the 19th century.
€32,700Roman glass paste with two animalsThe intaglio is made of beautiful violet glass. It shows two animals facing each other.
€98Roman intaglio with ravenAn ancient intaglio from Roman times made of nice orange glass paste. Well preserved depiction.
€135