Bertolami Fine Art - Piazza Lovatelli 1, 00186 Roma
ASTA 267 - GLITTICA ASTA 267 - GLITTICA
Friday 7 July 2023 hours 12:30 (UTC +00:00)
A FINE RENAISSANCE BERYL INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. PORTRAIT OF A ROMAN EMPEROR.
A FINE RENAISSANCE BERYL INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. PORTRAIT OF A ROMAN EMPEROR.
16th - 17th century
Stone 12x16 mm; int. Diam. 18 mm; 5 gr
The emperor has the laureated head in profile to the left with the bust slightly three-quarters seen from behind. The physiognomic features and the hair are typical of the portraits between the Antonine and of the Severian dynasty. The effigy is probably the stylized portrait of Lucius Verus or, for some details, likely Pertinax. The hair is thick, held by a large laurel crown, the beard equally thick, the mouth slightly open, the nose pronounced. The shoulders and the back are covered with an armor. The portrait is deeply engraved. Beryl of beautiful bluish color, characterized by a remarkable brightness. Wear marks. The gem is set in a low gold Victorian ring with hallmarks (to be identified).
Provenance: U.K. private collection acquired in the british art market.