Jasper gem: Victoria, Latin letters (A) Latin letters (B)

PP-ID:

PP-5036

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE_Kassel-HKH_Ge 59

Collection:

Kassel, Antikensammlung, Hessen Kassel Heritage

Collection Inventory:

Ge 59

Reference Numbers:

Capello 1702, no. 156; AGD III, no. Kassel 59

Former Collections:

Patin, Charles (Paris, 1633 – Padua, 1693); Capello, Antonio (Venice, 1652–1729); Karl, Landgraf von Hessen-Kassel (Kassel, 1654–1730)

Material:

jasper, green to black

Dimensions:

12.5 × 8.8 × 2.5 mm

Iconography:

Nike; palm branch; wreath; unspecified long dress

Dark greenish-brownish jasper gem. Transverse oval; both sides flat and polished. (Shape 8–9). The upper edge of side A is broken off; part of the image surface is damaged. Post-antique?

Side A: Winged Victoria standing on a short baseline; her long garment flowing around her. She holds a long palm branch in one hand; the other is not visible due to the damage, but, based on this type of depiction of the goddess, it was likely outstretched and holding a wreath, the edge of which may be visible here. Latin letters (some resembling characteres) scattered around her: Victoria. 'Victory'. An omega-like sign appears above the R, and a further sign (Byzantine ligatured ou?) on the right.
Side B: Latin letters scattered around: Felix. 'Lucky, successful'.

Selected bibliography
• Capello 1702 >>, pl. 25, no. 156 (see Antiquitatum Thesaurus for details).
• Montfaucon 1719 >>, vol. 2,2, 376, pl. 173D for side A (see in Antiquitatum Thesaurus ), and 376, pl. 173E for side B (see in Antiquitatum Thesaurus).
• Zazoff, AGD III >>, 211, no. 59.

Further resources on PP-5036
• Hessen Kassel Heritage Online
• Antiquitatum Thesaurus