Ancient Roman, Empire Gold-plated Pendant - Marcus Aurelius / glass / stone

Intaglio carved in glass paste and mounted on lapis lazuli with pyrite of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D.), it is set on a thread gilded in 18K gold between tinted glass beads and linked to a modern 18K gold-plated cord-type chain. In the carving, the bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius is shown in profile with a dense beard and curly hair and a laurel crown. It is engraved in blue glass paste, achieved by incorporating copper or cobalt into the paste. This type of glass-carved intaglios were used as amulets by the legionaries as propaganda and loyalty. Wearing a ring with the seal-portrait of his emperor was a supreme symbol of political and military loyalty. Citizens could also wear this type of seal as a sign of devotion to their philosopher-emperor. It ships with a legal declaration sheet. Customs costs outside the EU will be borne by the auction winner.

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