A Roman Glass Cobalt Blue with Opaque White Cameo Depicting Fortuna

Description

large ancient Roman glass cameo depicting Fortuna, goddess of fortune, prosperity, and fate. The piece is formed in deep cobalt blue glass with an opaque white relief, creating a striking contrast between the background and the finely modelled bust.

Fortuna is shown with softly carved facial features, wavy hair, and draped clothing, giving the cameo a graceful classical presence. The surface displays age-related cracking, patina, and wear, while the relief remains highly expressive and visually impressive.

Mounted on a modern display stand, this cameo is an elegant example of Roman luxury glasswork and divine imagery, reflecting the ancient taste for finely crafted objects associated with status, protection, and good fortune.

REFERENCE #

GL_RM_1093

CIVILIZATION

Roman, ca. 100 C.E. – 200 C.E.

SIZE

H. 5.5 cm W. 4.5 cm

CONDITION

Exceptional condition

PRICE

Price available upon request

PROVENANCE

Jerusalem Private Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

The cameo depicts Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, prosperity, and fate. She is shown with softly carved facial features, wavy hair, and draped clothing, rendered in an opaque white relief against a deep cobalt blue glass background.

The cameo is made from deep cobalt blue glass with an opaque white relief, showcasing the Roman luxury glasswork technique. The contrast between the blue background and white relief highlights the finely modeled bust of Fortuna, demonstrating skilled craftsmanship from around 100-200 C.E.

The cameo measures approximately 5.5 cm in height and 4.5 cm in width. Despite its age, it remains in exceptional condition, with some age-related cracking, patina, and wear visible on the surface, while the relief remains highly expressive and visually impressive.

This cameo dates from the Roman period, approximately 100 to 200 C.E. It comes from a private collection in Jerusalem, reflecting its historical and cultural significance as an ancient artifact associated with Roman luxury and divine imagery.

The ancient Roman glass cameo is mounted on a modern display stand, allowing it to be elegantly showcased while preserving its condition. This presentation highlights the cameo's artistic and historical value as a finely crafted object of Roman luxury.

In Roman culture, Fortuna symbolizes fortune, prosperity, and fate. Objects depicting her, like this cameo, were often associated with status, protection, and the hope for good fortune, reflecting the ancient Romans' beliefs and values.