Graeco-Roman
Garnet amulet of a lion, Graeco-Roman, circa 2nd century BC - 1st century AD
Garnet, gold
Length of amulet: 1.4 cm
Length of chain: 18 in (adjustable to 16 in)
Length of chain: 18 in (adjustable to 16 in)
An ancient garnet amulet depicting a recumbent lion. With modern 18 carat gold beads and chain.
An ancient garnet amulet depicting a recumbent lion. With modern 18 carat gold beads and chain.
Provenance
Private collection, UK, acquired in the 1980sLiterature
Animal amulets were very popular throughout the Classical World, and it is likely this characterful lion was used as a jewellery element on a necklace or bracelet.The Greeks, Etruscans and Romans used animals as embodiments of virtues and values, as guardians and companions, and as sources of amusement and pleasure far beyond their merely utilitarian roles. This is evident in the tremendous amount of care that has been taken to create this wonderfully tiny and ornamental amulet. The artist clearly had a keen awareness and appreciation of living animals and as a result this amulet is imbued with a spirit and likeness of its own.