ASTA 267 - GLITTICA

A GRAND TOUR AGATE INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. SACRIFICE SCENE.

End of 18th century

Stone 10x14 mm; int. size 18x19 mm; 10,50 gr

With rounded hoop expanding upwards onto an oval bezel set with a three-layered agate intaglio. The scene depicts an old bearded man kneeled and holding a snake. Behind him, a female figure (priestress ?) draped, her right hand pointed to her face. They are facing a tree with a ram protome hanged and a small brasero on the ground. In the background, herm of a Silenus. A similar scene was engraved by Pichler. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A NEOCLASSICAL AGATE INTAGLIO. TWO EROTES PLAYING WITH A GOAT.

18th century

23x31x3 mm

On the left, an Erote tries to tame a goat that wants to play with the Erote sitting on a rock on the left side, by tying it with a branch of ivy around its neck. The scene is inspired by the gems and bas-reliefs of the Roman Era. Groundline.

Provenance: U.K private collection

A GRAND TOUR AGATE INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. METHE.

18th century

Stone 13x21 mm; int. diam 17 mm; 7,80 gr

With a large grooved oval box-setting, the large truncated intaglio depicts Methe, standing nude in three-quarters, a drapery on her shoulders that she barely holds with her right hand, meanwhile she brings the left hand holding a cup to her mouth. In the right, "ΛΥΛOΥ" (by Aulos). Pseudo Greek signature. Groundline. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. BUST OF APOLLO.

18th century

Stone 13x16 mm; int. Size 18x21 mm; 3,70 gr

The god is facing left, characterized by beautiful youthful features, long hair adorned by a laurel wreath. His bust is partially covered by a tunic attached on the shoulders. Behind, bow and quiver. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A NEOCLASSICAL CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. BUST OF DIONYSOS.

18th-19th century

Stone 18x25 mm; int. Size 16x18 mm; ,20 gr

The god is facing right and characterized by young features. The hair are assembled behind in a knot-bun with a large braided band around the face hold by an ivy leaves crown. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GEORGIAN GOLD RING. FEMALE BUST.

First half of 18th century

Stone 13x15 mm; int. size 16x17,5 mm; 2,56 gr

With a rounded hoop, flatten within and engraved without, the shoulders ending in two twisted leaves pattern and surmounted by a large oval bezel. The scene shows a female bust facing right. The head is characterized by elaborated hair with a braided band on the front head, a net of pearls topped with a long tight braid and covered behind by a sakkos. The bust is covered by a draped cloack. This portrait is referrable probably to a poetess or a Muse. Chipped on the lower part of the stone. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A GRAND TOUR CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. HEAD OF PERSEPHONE.

18th - 19th century

Stone 12x16 mm; int. Size 18x10 mm; 3,74 gr

With plain rounded hoop and oval bezel set with an intaglio showing the head of Persephone facing left with her ear of corns diadem. Missing and chip on the edge. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A LARGE SIGNED BLOODSTONE INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. CAPITA JUGATA PORTRAIT.

18th century

Stone 14x21 mm; int. size 18x19 mm; 10,34 gr

With rounded hoop, flatten within expanding in broader shoulders with incised volute patterns and surmounted by a large oval bezel with incised ligns. The intaglio shows a Capita Jugata portrait with a laureated emperor and his emperess, August and Livia. Initials or signature "LH" in the field.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A LARGE AGATE INTAGLIO SET IN A SWIVEL GOLD RING. CONJOINED BUSTS OF AN IMPERIAL COUPLE.

17th - 18th century

Stone 18x22 mm; int. size 18x22 mm; 4,84 gr

With flatten hoop attached onto the large grooved bezel with screws and set with a large agate intaglio; the portraits are facing left showing a laureated emperor with a long beard and his emperess. The model reminds the effigy of Hercules with Omphale. Mirror polishing. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

AN AGATE INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. PORTRAIT OF HOMER.

17th- 18th century

Stone 15x19 mm; int. diam 16 mm; 6,33 gr.

Finely engraved portrait of the Greek poet Homer, facing left. The effigy is characterized by a thick beard and hair held back by a band, the shoulders draped. Interesting and unusual choice of stone.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A FINE CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD FOB SEAL. MALE PORTRAIT.

18th century

Stone 11x13,5 mm; H max 22 mm; 3,9 gr.

Engraved with great finesse, this youthful portrait looks like an idealized private portrait. The effigy faces left. Beautiful vivid color of the stone, set in a Georgian gold seal. Slight wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A LARGE BANDED AGATE INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. BUST OF HERCULES.

17th - 18th century

Stone 16x23 mm; int. size 19x22 mm; 13,46 gr

With a massive rounded hoop surmounting a large oval bezel set with a large intaglio depicting Hercules facing right. The Hero is characterized by a strong look, deep features and foliated beard and hair. Large stone.

Provenance: U.K. private collection