Lot 329 | A large carnelian intaglio signed Aspasios. Bust of Athena Parthenos. 18th century.

Bertolami Fine Art - Bertolami Fine Art, 1 Harewood Place 1, W1S 1BU Londra

A large carnelian intaglio signed Aspasios. Bust of Athena Parthenos. 18th century.

A large carnelian intaglio signed Aspasios. Bust of Athena Parthenos.

18th century.

Bust of Athena Parthenos facing left. The effigy is certainly inspired by the famous ancient stone engraved with the same subject and signed by the roman gem engraver Aspasios (red jasper, Rome, Palazzo Massimo National Roman Museum). However, the physiognomic features of the face are not idealized but instead refer to an historical private portrait: the features of the profile recall Catherine II of Russia. The helmet, the hair, the gorgoneion are engraved with great technical mastery. The spear rests on the shoulder. In the field, the signature in Greek of Aspasios. Beautiful vivid color of the gem. Small chip on the edge.

25 x 35 x 6 mm.