Lotto 18 | A large roman chalcedony intaglio. Snake with bow.

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

A large roman chalcedony intaglio. Snake with bow.

A large roman chalcedony intaglio. Snake with bow.

1st century B.C. - 1st century A.D.
15x21x5 mm

The intaglio is inspired by the classical greek iconography, showing a snake holding bow in tension. In this later adaptation, the snake is intertwined to a column. With his tail he hold the bow, wrapped in its coils, while with its jaws it holds the arrow hooked to the bowstring, pulling it to strike. The subject is allegorically referable to Apollo and can be considered particularly rare. Large gem in beautiful quality "sapphirene chalcedony", characterized by a very fine transparency and brightness. Presence of globular elements. Wear marks.
J. Boardman, Greek gems and finger rings. Early bronze age to Late classical, Pl. 699 p. 297, from the "Pontic Group".
"
U.K. private collection