Roman
Venus heliotrope gold pendant, Roman, circa 2nd - 3rd century AD
Heliotrope, gold
Length of intaglio: 1.5 cm
Length of chain: 18 in (adjustable to 16 in)
Length of chain: 18 in (adjustable to 16 in)
Further images
The ancient Roman red and green heliotrope (bloodstone) oval gem is engraved with a frontal figure of Venus Pudica, standing nude except for drapery at her hips, one arm across...
The ancient Roman red and green heliotrope (bloodstone) oval gem is engraved with a frontal figure of Venus Pudica, standing nude except for drapery at her hips, one arm across her chest, set in a modern 18 carat gold pendant.
Provenance
UK private collection, acquired in the 1980s-90sLiterature
Venus Pudica or ‘modest Venus’ refers to the iconic image of the goddess standing nude after her bath. The type ultimately derives from the renowned Aphrodite of Cnidus by the master Greek sculptor Praxiteles.
Heliotrope or Bloodstone was an important stone for amuletic use in the ancient world. An opaque, dark green chalcedony with red streaks due to presence of iron oxide, it gets its name from Greek world helios (sun) and trepein (to turn). It was believed to have powerful healing properties.