Gold Diadem with an Intaglio of Jupiter Heliopolitanus

Culture: Roman

Period: 1st-2nd century A.D.

Material: Gold, Glass

Dimensions: 23.3 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 3427

Provenance: Private collection Léon Rodrigues-Ely (1924-1973), Marseille, France.

Condition: Missing parts at the ends of the diadem as shown in the photograph. The intagio with a small chip.

Description: Diadem made of gold leaf with embossed fine, horizontal line decoration. In the center sits a two-layered glass intaglio in a gold leaf setting, which imitates a layered agate. Jupiter Heliopolitanus is depicted with his right hand raised in which he is holding the whip. In his left hand, which is held down to the side, he is possibly holding ears of grain which are typical for him. At his feet two stylized animals, probably bulls, to the left and right. The gem with beautiful iridescence. A rare diadem probably from the eastern Mediterranean Sea. In today's Balbeek (ancient Colonia Heliopolis) in Lebanon stood the most famous sanctuary where Jupiter Optimus Maximus Heliopolitanus was worshiped. Placed on a black base plate.