Roman Chalcedony Intaglio with Crowned Female Bust

Roman, Imperial period. An oval intaglio of translucent, milky blue-gray chalcedony, engraved with the profile bust of a woman, either a goddess or a lady of rank. She wears a crown or diadem above a coiffure of twisted locks wound around the head like a wreath. A round brooch, probably a fibula, fastens the drapery at her chest. A small object shows behind her shoulder, perhaps the tip of a quiver or scepter or the knot of a veil, though it is too small to identify with confidence. The carver used the drill and wheel economically, giving the hair crisp, lively grooves set against the softer modeling of the face and neck. Gems like this were set into rings and pressed into wax as personal seals, so the design was cut in reverse to read correctly in the impression. Item # 205243

Estimate:£300.12

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