{"product_id":"goddess-isis-authentic-ancient-roman-carnelian-intaglio-1st-2nd-cent-ad-22-kt-gold-ring","title":"GODDESS ISIS Authentic Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio 2nd-3rd Cent. AD 22 kt Gold Ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eArchaeological Description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eAn oval gemstone of translucent reddish-orange carnelian, engraved in intaglio and mounted in a substantial solid 22 Kt gold ring. The gemstone is attributed to the Roman Imperial period, provisionally the 2nd–3rd century AD.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe subject is a syncretic female deity,\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIsis-Panthea, combining the serpent form of Isis-Thermouthis with attributes associated with Athena-Minerva, Nike-Victory and Tyche-Fortuna. Such combinations brought together the protective and benevolent powers of several divinities within a single image.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eIconography and Composition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe central figure has a human upper body, shown frontally with her head turned to the viewer’s left. Below the waist, her body continues into a single serpent’s tail arranged in broad, balanced coils. This feature finds parallels in representations of Isis-Thermouthis, the fusion of Isis with the Egyptian serpent goddess Renenutet, protector of harvests, nourishment and the fertility of the land.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe head appears helmeted, suggesting an additional association with Athena-Minerva, goddess of wisdom, skilled craftsmanship and protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eOn her outstretched hand, to the viewer’s left, the deity supports a miniature Nike, or winged Victory. This familiar attribute of Athena introduces the themes of achievement, triumph and success.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eIn her other arm, she carries a large cornucopia, its opening filled with plant-like forms. Associated particularly with Tyche-Fortuna, the horn of plenty expresses abundance, fertility and material prosperity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe figure rests above a rectangular base decorated with vertical hatching. A crescent moon and surrounding stars complete the composition, placing the deity within a celestial setting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eProtective and Spiritual Meaning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe intaglio belongs to the tradition of magical gems: engraved stones intended to invoke divine assistance and protect their owners. Its imagery can be understood as a visual appeal for well-being, good fortune and success, drawing upon several complementary divine powers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe Serpent Body: Fertility and Renewal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe serpent form is particularly significant in the imagery of Isis-Thermouthis. It connects the goddess with the productive forces of the earth and her role in sustaining life through nourishment and fertile harvests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe serpent could also evoke renewal through the shedding of its skin. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eVictory and Abundance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe small Nike and the cornucopia unite two closely related aspirations: success in one’s undertakings and the prosperity that allows life to flourish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eNike expresses victory and the overcoming of obstacles, while the cornucopia invokes plentiful resources and favourable fortune. Combined with the goddess’s protective character, these attributes suggest a wish for fulfilment in both personal and material life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe Moon and Stars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe crescent moon and stars give the image an astral dimension, consistent with the broad celestial associations of Isis in the Hellenistic and Roman worlds. They express divine protection within a universe whose movements were believed to influence human destiny.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eIn this context, the composition can be read as an appeal to a goddess whose powers extend across earthly and celestial realms. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eIsis was associated with Sirius, the Egyptian Sothis, whose heliacal rising was linked to the Nile’s annual inundation and the renewal of agricultural life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe reading is that of a syncretic protective deity combining the life-sustaining powers of Isis-Thermouthis, the protective wisdom of Athena-Minerva, the success represented by Nike and the abundance of Fortuna.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;\"\u003eThe intaglio thus brings together protection, renewal, victory and prosperity in a single talismanic composition.\u003ca name=\"_GoBack\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eOur jewelry store, Serra Roma, proudly presents an exquisite collection that beautifully honors the ancient traditions of Greek and Roman civilizations. Each piece in our collection, including authentic ancient Roman and Greek coins and intaglios, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, providing proof of its historical significance and origin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Serra Roma","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54996248822083,"sku":null,"price":11600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/0880\/0997\/files\/AnelloorointagliomagivoIsideott26.jpg?v=1793367671","url":"https:\/\/serraroma.com\/en-us\/products\/goddess-isis-authentic-ancient-roman-carnelian-intaglio-1st-2nd-cent-ad-22-kt-gold-ring","provider":"Serra Roma","version":"1.0","type":"link"}