Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fortuna
1st-2nd century A.D.. The oval intaglio depicting the goddess standing, facing right, dressed in peplos, holding a steering-oar and cornucopia. Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1749.
1.33 grams, 16 mm (5/8 in.).
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.Important North West London collection. Fortuna was the Roman equivalent of the Greek Tyche, and was the goddess of fate, chance and luck. The cornucopia symbolises the abundance of good luck that people hoped for in worshipping her and the rudder symbolises her steering the destiny of people. In the city of Rome, she had a temple in the Forum Boarium. The goddess had many aspects such as Fortuna Augusta, the luck of the emperor and the Imperial family, Fortuna Publica, the luck of the people, and Fortuna Obsequens, indulgent fortune, amongst many others.