Ancient Roman

Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio with Helmeted Bust of Minerva (Athena) Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–2nd century AD 0.3 g. and 13.0 × 11.8 mm From a Private European Collection. A beautifully engraved and extremely rare Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio depicting the helmeted bust of Minerva (Greek Athena) in profile to the left. Despite its remarkably small dimensions, the ancient gem cutter succeeded in creating an exceptionally expressive miniature portrait. The goddess is represented with a finely delineated face, prominent nose, clearly defined lips and chin, while her neck and draped shoulder emerge below. Most striking is her elaborate crested helmet, with its impressive plume sweeping backwards above the head. The combination of the helmet, feminine profile and draped bust strongly points towards Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategy, craftsmanship and warfare, identified with the Greek Athena. Helmeted profile representations of Minerva are well documented among Roman engraved gems, with closely related examples preserved in important museum collections. A Masterpiece in Miniature: Roman intaglios were far more than decorative gemstones. Such gems were originally mounted into finger rings and could function as personal signets, their deeply engraved negative image producing a positive impression when pressed into wax or another soft sealing material. At only 13 mm, the remarkable amount of surviving detail is particularly impressive. The engraver had to create the goddess's facial features, helmet, sweeping crest and drapery within an area scarcely larger than a fingernail. The stone itself displays an attractive deep reddish-orange translucent colour, characteristic of carnelian, a material especially favoured by Roman gem engravers. A highly attractive and finely engraved Roman intaglio, combining classical iconography, excellent miniature workmanship and the beautiful translucency of ancient carnelian. An exceptional miniature work of Roman glyptic art and an excellent collector's piece. I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot. I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Estimate:£502.55

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