Lot 192 | A FINE ROMAN AGATE INTAGLIO. PORTRAIT OF LIVIA.

Bertolami Fine Art - Piazza Lovatelli 1, 00186 Roma

A FINE ROMAN AGATE INTAGLIO. PORTRAIT OF LIVIA.

A FINE ROMAN AGATE INTAGLIO. PORTRAIT OF LIVIA.

End of 1st century B.C. - Early 1st century A.D.

9x12x2 mm

The imperial effigy is turned to the left, and has a draped bust. The profile is characterized by the typical facial features of Livia, with a slightly aquiline nose, small mouth, slightly spherical chin, large eye, delicate and elegant features. The hair is characterized by the typical presence of a double braid above the brow (nodus) which is gathered behind the neck in a bun; the curls escaping from the bands of hair at the side of the face. The hair is finely chiselled with very fine wavy lines. Considering the very small size of the gem and the very high technical quality, it can be considered one of the best intaglio of her portraits in existence. The stone is slightly burnt. Wear marks.

For a very similar portrait, see: the beautiful sardonyx cameo with the portrait of Livia in Leiden, Rijksmuseum. One of Livia's finest portraits. See also. The British Museum database, n. 1867,0507.491 sard intaglio set in a gold ring with an inscription (LEU in Greek). See M. L. Volleinweider, Die portraitgemmen der romischen Republik, tafel 167, and the coinage production of her time.

Provenance: U.K. private collection