Auction 86 - Glyptics and Ancient Jewelry sessione unica
Wednesday 9 December 2020 hours 14:00 (UTC +01:00)
A postclassical agate intaglio. Erotic scene.
A postclassical agate intaglio. Erotic scene.
16th - 19th century (?).
18 x 22 x 3 mm
The scene is composed of a man and a woman depicted during a sexual act: the male figure is partially lying down, with his legs stretched out and his torso raised against an arm; with the other arm he holds and raises the legs of the female
figure who is above him to receive a penetration. The two characters look at each other during the act, over a stylized bed with crossed engraved signs. Above, two large phallic symbols, allegory of the carnal act. Scene inspired by Pompeian frescoes and spintriae (erotic tesserae). Slight cracking. Signs of wear. Probably postclassical.
U.K private collection, London.