ROMAN CARNELIAN WITH A SEA CREATURE – CAPRICORN

Price upon request

ROMAN CARNELIAN WITH A SEA CREATURE – CAPRICORN

Period / Age: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D.

Provenance: Private English Collection. Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.

Dimensions:

Length: 1cm

The Capricorn was described as a mythological sea goat, depicted with the horns and head of a goat and the torso of a fish. It was used by both the Greeks and Romans but was commonly associated with the tenth astrological sign in the Roman zodiac.

Unlike some other seafaring creatures from myth and legend, the Sea Goat lives more as a metaphorical entity, rather than being involved in many historical encounters. It is clear from the start that this being does not exist, but represents an idea.

Augustus was the first living Roman leader to consistently mint coinage with his own portrait on it, and it became standard practice for all Roman emperors after Augustus. The reverse shows the astrological sign of the Capricorn, portrayed holding a globe and rudder with a cornucopia hovering above.

CONDITION: Good condition. Wear and tear, but no damage to the iconography at all. The item is described to the best of our knowledge. Please refer to the pictures and email with any questions.