Cleveland Museum of Art

Intaglio: Imperial Eagle

Date

c. 1–25 CE

Medium

carnelian

Culture

Italy, Rome, probably Augustan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This intaglio, or engraved gem, depicts an eagle with wings partially spread, a lightning bolt clutched in its feet. The bird looks to the upper right, suggesting it may be about to take flight. This gem is expertly carved, with each individual feather of the eagle described with thin lines. The eagle was a symbol associated with the Roman imperial family, Roman military, and Jupiter, the supreme Roman deity. The setting is likely ancient, and it retains traces of enameling in some loops. According to the Roman author Pliny, ancient carnelian was primarily sourced from India.

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