Pair of Italian ‘After the Antique’ Carved Ivory Classical Portrait Relief’s

Period: 1700-1800

Origin: Italy

Medium: Ivory, (Ebony display stands)

Provenance: Ex Private collection 

Belgium CITES: 2025/BE01012/CE

Literature: These cut away, ivory profile heads were probably carved after antique Roman gems. The portrait relief wearing a helmet formed from a lion’s head and mane probably represents the Roman Emperor Trajan (AD98-117) who took up the attributes of Hercules. The Roman god Hercules originated from the Greek hero Herakles and embodied the masculine characteristics of great strength, courage and appetite. He was a popular cult figure with the Roman legions, who in battle, would cry ‘Mehercle’ as an aid to courage.
The other relief probably portrays the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (AD161-80) wearing the helmet of Achilles, the invincible warrior and hero of Homer’s Iliad.