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 roman carnelian intaglio set ina modern gold ring. Homoerotic "paiderastia" scene.
A roman carnelian intaglio set ina modern gold ring. Homoerotic "paiderastia" scene.
2nd - 3rd century A.D.
intaglio : 9 x 17 mm
ring : 18 x 16 mm
7,86 g
A young boy is depicted in an intimate moment of initiation into the greek paiderastia. The young figure wears a collar and a thin robe that glimpses his shapely naked body (veil) and is faced with an adult male figure, with a diademate head and a naked body. The man brings his hands to the boy's head, who puts his hand up to touch his attributes while keeping his left leg raised above a small altar. Groundline. Probable scene of initiation to homoerotic paideia; the scene seems inspired by the repertoire of Greek black-figured vascular painting. Very rare subject on gems. The ring seems to have a repair in the attack between the rod and the bezel. Wear marks.
U.K private collection 90's