Lotto 12 | A fine greek agate intaglio set in a gold brooch. Scene of Toilette.<br><br>5th century B.C.

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

A fine greek agate intaglio set in a gold brooch. Scene of Toilette.<br><br>5th century B.C.

A fine greek agate intaglio set in a gold brooch. Scene of Toilette.

5th century B.C.

The female figure faces right, sitting on a stool. The head is in profile, the body in three-quarters, in an unusual pose. The right leg is in fact raised and the foot rests on the thigh of the left leg. The left arm, in the foreground, holds the raised foot by the ankle, while with the right hand (hidden) he makes an unidentifiable gesture. The figure is taking care of his foot (with a tool that can be seen?), Cleaning herself, or observing herself. Her eye is turned towards this action. In this posture, the woman spreads her legs showing her pubis. The female figure intent on carrying out intimate actions (washing her hair, undressing, placing her dress on a column) is typical of a certain greek repertoire of the classical era. The type of stool, and the pose itself, is consistent with classical greek glyptic, as is her hairstyle with gathered hair. The stylistic (anatomical), compositional and technical details all correspond to this period referable to the 5th century BC. However, this subject with this pose is apparently of the greatest rarity. The stone is partially burnt on the back, showing small lacks on the surface behind. Signs of wear. The gem is mounted in a 19th century gold brooch. Parallel: J. Boardman, GGFR, 1970, n. 550, 637, 858 and 859 for intimate female scenes (hair washing, undressing); 636 for the stool (from Sparta); n. 682 for the pose.

intaglio 14x16 mm; brooch 15x18x4 mm; 3,91 gr.

Provenance: private collection acquired on the French market from a 19th century collection based on the mounting; previously ancient private collection.