古希腊，大希腊 玛瑙 Intaglio - 19 mm

Magna Graecia Carnelian Intaglio with Pegasus
2nd–1st Century B.C.
Dimensions: 19 × 14 × 4 mm

A finely engraved oval intaglio carved in translucent reddish-brown carnelian, depicting a standing Pegasus facing left. The winged horse is rendered with elegant proportions: arched neck, carefully detailed wings with incised feathering, and a clearly defined ground line beneath the hooves — a compositional device typical of Hellenistic glyptic.

The engraving displays confident line work and balanced modeling, characteristic of Magna Graecia workshops of the late Hellenistic period (2nd–1st century B.C.). The stone’s warm translucency enhances the depth of the carving, particularly visible in transmitted light.

Pegasus, symbol of poetic inspiration, divine favor, and heroic lineage (associated with Bellerophon), was a popular motif in South Italian and wider Hellenistic glyptic art.

Condition:
Well preserved. The engraving is clear and legible. No modern reworking visible under magnification.

Material: Carnelian
Shape: Oval
Technique: Intaglio engraving
Cultural attribution: Magna Graecia
Date: 2nd–1st century B.C.

Provenance:
From a former English private collection, subsequently part of an American collection.

A refined and wearable example of Hellenistic glyptic art, suitable for mounting or for inclusion in a specialized collection of ancient engraved gems.