A GARNET CAMEO OF HERCULES, 1ST-2ND CENTURY BC

A Hellenistic cameo of strong individual features probably of the Seleucid/Ptolemaic dynasties. Hercules is a well known protector of both the Seleucid and Lagid dynasties and such cameos have been known to have been found frequently in both their empires and kingdoms in the past. The concave scalloping of the back suggests this dating and this ring could have been mounted in a ring or a pendant.
Given the strong features of the diety we could well be looking at the individualized features of a particular prince or monarch.
20 by 15 mm.

PROVENANCE
Acquired in London antique hypermarket before 2000s