Ancient Roman Red Jasper Intaglio with Radiate Head






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An Ancient Roman red jasper intaglio of a radiate, draped bust in profile, circa 1st–3rd century AD, measuring about 1.5 cm by 1.2 cm, in good condition and originally authentic from a private collection.
Description from the seller
An extremely fine Ancient Roman red jasper intaglio featuring a radiate and draped bust, possibly Apollo, Helios, or a radiate female. The intaglio is oval in shape with bevelled sides. The obverse has been carved with image of a bust depicted in profile, facing left, wearing a radiate crown. The figure is draped and their facial features have been carefully incised, with a long nose, closed mouth, and profile eye still clearly visible. Their hair is drawn up into a bun at the back, with circular curls framing their face. Small linear incisions represent the drapery. The reverse is smooth and unadorned. Signs of wear as consistent with age such as
Please note, the impression is for reference only.
The term intaglio refers to a small image that has been engraved into a gemstone and usually set in a piece of jewellery, most commonly a ring. Such artistic form has its origin in Sumer in the 4th millennium BC, with the appearance of cylinder and stamp seals, whereby decorations and patterns were engraved into soft stones. During the Hellenistic period and the early Roman Empire, the art of intaglio reached its apogee, with there being a steady decline in craftsmanship in the late Imperial Rome, until a revival of interest with the Byzantine and during the Renaissance.
Measurements: (circa) L 1.5cm x W 1.2cm
Provenance: From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.
Seller's Story
An extremely fine Ancient Roman red jasper intaglio featuring a radiate and draped bust, possibly Apollo, Helios, or a radiate female. The intaglio is oval in shape with bevelled sides. The obverse has been carved with image of a bust depicted in profile, facing left, wearing a radiate crown. The figure is draped and their facial features have been carefully incised, with a long nose, closed mouth, and profile eye still clearly visible. Their hair is drawn up into a bun at the back, with circular curls framing their face. Small linear incisions represent the drapery. The reverse is smooth and unadorned. Signs of wear as consistent with age such as
Please note, the impression is for reference only.
The term intaglio refers to a small image that has been engraved into a gemstone and usually set in a piece of jewellery, most commonly a ring. Such artistic form has its origin in Sumer in the 4th millennium BC, with the appearance of cylinder and stamp seals, whereby decorations and patterns were engraved into soft stones. During the Hellenistic period and the early Roman Empire, the art of intaglio reached its apogee, with there being a steady decline in craftsmanship in the late Imperial Rome, until a revival of interest with the Byzantine and during the Renaissance.
Measurements: (circa) L 1.5cm x W 1.2cm
Provenance: From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
