gem
- Museum number
- 1981,0201.41
- Description
-
A rectangular gem with slightly curved sides, engraved with Venus and Cupid. The stone is a slightly translucent orange-red cornelian (chalcedony). The engraved decoration is of Venus, naked apart from some drapery over her arm, seen in three-quarter back view. A large circular shield rests on the ground beside her, and she holds a sword and two spears. In front of her is Cupid, holding up a small helmet.
The gem has been cut down, probably from an originally elongated oval form. The present upper and lower edges of the stone closely skim the engraving.
- Dimensions
-
Height: 22 millimetres
-
Weight: 4.90 grammes
-
Width: 17 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- This engraved gem formed part of a remarkable hoard of late-Roman gold jewellery and silver tableware that was found near Thetford, Norfolk, in 1979.
Like the other engraved gems in the hoard, this fine large carnelian must have been removed from an older piece of jewellery. It depicts Venus with Cupid, both signifying love, and the armour of Mars, the Roman god of war, a standard scene in Roman iconography.
The gem is of Severan date. It has been removed from an earlier setting, preparatory to reuse as a ring or pendant, perhaps more likely the latter in view of its large size.
For more details, and examples of parallels, see Johns and Potter (1983) 'The Thetford Treasure: Roman Jewellery and Silver' Cat. 41
Roman Britain, 4th century AD
- Location
- On display (G49/dc23)
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
1982-1983 8 Sep-10 Jan, Norwich Castle Museum, The Thetford Treasure
- Acquisition date
- 1982
- Acquisition notes
- Purchased separately to the main Thetford treasure find as as addendum, even though this item was declared Treasure Trove (although not of precious metal). Purchased with five other items, 1981,0201.42-6 & 83.
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1981,0201.41