Lotto 272 | An unusual large renaissance agate cameo. Portrait of Augustus.

Bertolami Fine Art - Riversdell Close 27, KT16 9JW Chertsey

An unusual large renaissance agate cameo. Portrait of Augustus.

An unusual large renaissance agate cameo. Portrait of Augustus.

16th century

45 x 57 x 10 mm

Imperial portraiture of this size and typology is rare. The cameo was made on a large two-layered agate, composed of a brown background with caramel tones, and a light ivory-colored layer with grayish tones. The piece shows traces of wear and slight heat cracks (especially in the back) as if it was a late antique specimen (reworked in the post-classical era ?). However, the marked engraving style of this unusual piece can be related to the Renaissance era: the hair is finely chiseled with fine and parallel lines, the leaves of the laurel wreath have a delicately wavy surface, the pupil is engraved with a drilled iris, the slightly wrinkled forehead and the mouth closed in an expression of power and strength. The portrait, facing right, can be identified with the effigy of Emperor Augustus.



European private collection 80's