Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base
Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base
Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base
Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base
Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base
Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base
Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base

Roman red granite miniature Obelisk base

SKU: HQ.0125

Origin: Mediterranean
Circa: Late 1st Century BC - Early 1st Century AD
Dimensions: 1.85" Height x 1.15" Width (4.7 cm x 3 cm)
Medium: Red Granite

This diminutive block is part of an ancient miniature souvenir reproduction of the monumental Obelisk of Montecitorio found in Rome. The preserved stone element is the base, which is drilled at the top for insertion of the now-missing obelisk. Skillfully carved out of a beautiful rich red granite, it is a charming and extremely rare artifact commemorating the fall of the final Egyptian dynasty to Rome.  A Latin inscription on the face reads: IMP. CAESAR DIVI F. / AVGVSTVS / PONTIFEX MAXIMVS / IMP. XII COS. XI TRIB. POT. XIV / AEGVPTO IN POTESTATEM / POPVLI ROMANI REDACTA / SOLI DONVM DEDIT.  This translates to "General Caesar, son of divine (Caesar) Augustus, the Pontifex Maximus, General twelve [times], consul eleven [times], tributan power fourteen [times], with Egypt having been reduced into the power of the Roman people, (Augustus) has given this gift to the sun."

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Private American Collection, acquired at a Pittsburgh auction, ca. 1998-2001. With Medusa Ancient Art, Montreal, 2021. Private collection, Colorado, USA, acquired from the above.

Weathering, chips, and losses typical of age. Overall if fine and attractive condition. Comes with custom made black base.

The Obelisk of Montecitorio, also in red granite, dates to the reign of Psamtek II, circa 594-589 B.C., and was first erected in Heliopolis at the sanctuary of Re. Following the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, Egypt fell to Roman rule, and in 10 BC Augustus ordered this obelisk, along with others, to be transported and re-erected in Rome. Commandeering these colossal architectural masterpieces stood as a sign of his hegemony over a formerly formidable foe, as recorded in the text he had inscribed onto the base. The monolith was erected in the Campus Martius and functioned as the gnomon in the Solarium Augusti.

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