Bertolami Fine Art - Riversdell Close 27, KT16 9JW Chertsey
Auction 86 - Glyptics and Ancient Jewelry sessione unica
Wednesday 9 December 2020 hours 14:00 (UTC +01:00)
A rare roman garnet intaglio. Hybrid female creature.
A rare roman garnet intaglio. Hybrid female creature.
2nd - 3rd century A.D.
9 x 12 x 3 mm
The monstrous creature is formed by a human body with bird legs, similar to the harpies (which are usually winged). The figure advances to the left, holding a purse for money with her right hand and a palm frond with her left. Apotropaic depiction referable to good luck. Attractive vivid color of the convex stone. Mirror polishing. Rare and unusual iconography.
U.K. private collection, London.