A Roman carnelian intaglio showing and Elephant quadriga walking towards the left. In the chariot there appears to be a man holding a palm frond.
Orange/red carnelian, bi-lentoid. Roman 1st c BC/AD.
This interesting intaglio shows a general or possibly an emperor being pulled by four elephants in what should be a triumphal parade. Pompey was supposed to have had an elephant quadriga at his first triumph in BC 81, however it is possible that for practical purposes this show was just intended. Nevertheless, this intaglio might be commemorating an event in recent history and the wearer might have been an adherent of the victor shown.
14.5 by 10.5 mm.
PROVENANCE
From a European collection formed in the 1980's.