A fine late roman garnet intaglio. Female bust.

2nd century A.D.

12x17x3 mm
...

A fine late roman garnet intaglio. Female bust.

2nd century A.D.

12x17x3 mm

The portrait faces left, and is characterized by a face with youthful features, a draped bust and a refined hairstyle; a large braid surrounds the head in a circular sense, almost forming a diadem that holds the rounded hair. Small locks go down on the forehead and also on the nape of the neck. Although her face is idealized, her youth is emphasized by the sensitive modeling of her smooth, rounded face and high cheekbones. The iconography seems to refer to the 2nd century hairstyle. Probably a portrait of an aristocrat, close to the imperial family. Garnet of extraordinary color and size. Work done with great refinement, mirror polished. Slight wear marks. Parallels: Portrait Head of a Young Woman, A.D. 130/40 Roman Marble; The Art Institute of Chicago, 1960.64, cat. 7.

Provenance: UK art market, London.