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 large eastern roman carnelian intaglio. Bearded male bust with astrological symbols.
A large eastern roman carnelian intaglio. Bearded male bust with astrological symbols.
1st - 3rd century A.D.
24 x 29 x 12 mm
The character faces left and is characterized by a thick beard, finely engraved hair with a laurel wreath. The bust ends in front with a scorpion, and behind with a crab, both zodiac symbols. The large stone is characterized by small deposits and traces of iron even inside the carving. Probably a middle-eastern workshop. Very rare astrological iconography.
U.K private collection, London.