A Roman green chalcedony intaglio set in a gold ring.

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A Roman green chalcedony intaglio set in a gold ring.

Anthea Fine Arts

Date 1st-2nd century A.D.

Period Roman art

Origin London, consignment

Medium gold, green chalcedony

Dimension 0.8 x 1.1 cm (0¹/₄ x 0³/₈ inches)

The ring ciseled in a naturalistic way imitating the bark of a tree, with rounded hoop and broadering shoulders. The oval box-setting with a beautiful early Roman green chalcedony intaglio: The young figure is turned left, and characterized by a rounded chin, long and thick wavy hair, with strong inspiration from the Hellenistic models. The face is characterized by delicate features finely engraved and mirror polished. The left shoulder is seen from behind, as in the typical movement of swimming.
The figure is variously interpreted as Nereid or as Leandro crossing the Dardanelles to reach the lover Eros. The figure expresses beauty and elegance and shows a particularly refined execution. Attractive color of the stone. Slight wear marks.
Beautiful intense green color with some dark chrome inclusions.

Date: 1st-2nd century A.D.

Period: Roman art

Origin: London, consignment

Medium: gold, green chalcedony

Dimension: 0.8 x 1.1 cm (0¹/₄ x 0³/₈ inches)

Literature: A. Giuliano, I cammei dalla Collezione Medicea del Museo Archeologico di Firenze, pp. 216-217
L. P. B. Stefanelli, La collezione Paoletti, vol. 1, tomo 2 n. 218, tomo 3 n. 480
Le Gemme Farnese, 1994, p. 122 n. 184 (225)
G.M. A. Richter, Engraved gems. Greek, Etruscan and Roman, The Metropolitan Museum of New York, n. 150
J. Boardman, Greek gems and finger rings, n. 1003.

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