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Robin Isely

Magical and Astrological Gems

Magical gems are clearly distinguished from the other creations that came out of the gem carvers' workshops because they were conceived as powerful talismans containing divine energy. They were made from stones with specific chromatic features associated with divinities on the basis of models developed by Eastern wise men known as Magi. The images of divinities on these gems are often accompanied by symbols and phrases invoking the gods and strengthening their powers. Therefore, magical gems were not mere ornaments like most intaglios, rather for those who knew how to use them, they were real instruments that could guarantee the favors of a divinity. The most widely used materials were heliotrope, the stone of the sun gods and jasper in its many colors such as red that evoked the heat of fire, or yellow symbolizing sunlight. National Archaeological Museum of Florence

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gems

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D: DIO LEONTECEFALO (CON TESTA DI LEONE); R: GALLO ANGUIPEDE (CON ZAMPE A SERPENTE) /O: God with a lion's head (leontocephalic); R Rooster with serpents in place of legs (anguiped) II-III sec. d.C. / 2nd - 3rd cent. A.D. diaspro verde /green jasper inv. n. 15096

D: GALLO ANGUIPEDE (CON ZAMPE A SERPENTE); R: ISCRIZIONE/O: Rooster with serpents in place of legs (anguiped); R: Inscription II-III sec. d.C. 2"d- 3rd cent. A.D. diaspro verde, oro green jasper, gold inv. n. 15123

D: LEONE; R: MITRA CHE UCCIDE IL TORO E SIMBOLI MITRAICI / 0: Lion; R: Mithras killing the bull and Mithraic symbols fine del I-II sec. d.C. /end 1t- 2nd cent. A.D. eliotropio, oro /heliotrope, gold inv. n. 15110 ] From the collection of Leonardo Agostini, Rome; then collection of Cardinal Leopoldo de' Medici.

Scarabe of Venus Anadyomene (rising from the sea) 1st cent. B.C. lapis lazuli inv. n.15093

D:VENERE E MARTE; R: ISCRIZIONE/O: Venus and Mars; R: Inscription 2- 3rd cent.A.D. diaspro verde, oro green jasper, gold inv. n. 15092

D:NEMESI; R: ISCRIZIONE/ 2- 3rd cent.A.D. O: Nemesis; R:Inscription diaspro verde, oro /green jasper, gold inv. n. 15075

Hecate; R: Inscription 2- 3rd cent.A.D. diaspro, oro /jasper, gold inv. n. 15078

From the collection of the abbot Pietro Andrea Andreini, Florence; purchased in 1731 by the Grand Duke Gian Gastone de’Medici

Scarab with Venus Anadyomene - Rising from the sea, 1st century B.C., Lapis lazuli.

Venus and Mars with Inscription - 2nd-3rd century A.D., Green jasper and gold.

Nemesis with Inscription - 3rd century A.D., Green jasper and gold.

Hecate with Inscription - 2nd-3rd century A.D., Jasper and gold.

Mercury - Possibly 16th century, Chalcedony and gold.

Astrological Symbols Surrounded by an Ouroboros - 16th-17th century, Sardonyx and gold.

Astral God with Inscription - 2nd-3rd century A.D., Jasper.

Uterus Inside an Ouroboros - 3rd century A.D., Hematite.

Magical Inscription - 3rd century A.D., Rock crystal and gold.

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G. Smargiassi. Detail. Pitti Palace

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Demon detail

Casa di Michelangelo

Caravaggio, Medusa

Uffizi