Tyche Carnelian Gold Pendant

Tyche Carnelian Gold Pendant.

Roman, circa 1st - 2nd century AD.

The oval carnelian gem engraved with a profile head of the goddess Tyche, wearing her traditional mural crown of the city walls and towers, her hair falling in tresses at her neck. Set in a modern 18 carat gold pendant. 

Provenance

Gustave Mustaki Collection, Alexandria, acquired in the early part of the 20th century and exported to England before 1953.

Literature

Tyche (ΤΥΧΗ, τύχη in Greek), the Greek goddess of fortune, originated in the 4th century BC, flourished in the Hellenistic period, and was adopted by the Romans as Fortuna. She controlled the fortunes of individuals, armies, cities, and kingdoms. She also served as the patron goddess and protector of cities, as Athena did for Athens. She served as the city’s symbol, and images of the goddess—generally a statue erected in a temple or civic space—showed her wearing the city walls as a crown. Images of Tyche wearing the mural crown are common symbols on coins of the late Hellenistic and Roman periods, especially in the eastern Mediterranean.

Images of the goddess were worn as jewellery to protect the wearer. Tyche brought both good and bad fortune, and wearing a ring with an image of the goddess was also thought to ward off her malevolent tendencies. Tyche/Fortuna was also an important member of the household gods. For a similar image on a gem see Yale University Art Gallery, acc. no. 1986.99.1.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance