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 fine roman red jasper intaglio. Hercules with the apples of Hesperides.
A fine roman red jasper intaglio. Hercules with the apples of Hesperides.
1st - 2nd century A.D.
10 x 13 x 3 mm
The hero, facing right, is holding the club with the left hand, three apples of the Hesperides and the lion skin with the right one. Groundline. The scene refers to the famous twelve labors of Hercules. In this case, the heroic figure is standing, with the body finely sculpted in its anatomical details, seen from the front but with the head turned in profile to the right, in a glorious pose showing the fruit of the eleventh labor. Subject that symbolizes strength, courage, astuteness and virtue. Attractive color of the stone. Rare. Slight wear marks. Large chipping on the edge below.
U.K., private collection 80's, London.