A ROMAN CITRINE INTAGLIO OF HERCULES, 1ST CENTURY BC-AD
Reference: ART600710
A Roman intaglio carved in a lentoid citrine. The subject is a vigorously engraved bust of Hercules to the right. The subject is beautifully rendered with the facial features in particular being worked in a sculptural manner. Hercules was a very popular subject. This is a typical product of the age of Augustus when many Greek engravers came to work in Rome to satisfy the huge market for engraved gemstones that the peace and the prosperity of his reign created. A small chip to the upper part of the stone does not distract from the composition.
16 by 16 mm.
PROVENANCE
Acquired in London antique hypermarket before 2000s