Roman Chalcedony Intaglio with Crowned Female Bust
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1–300 CE. An oval intaglio of translucent, milky blue-gray chalcedony, engraved with the profile bust of a woman, either a goddess or a lady of rank. She wears a crown or diadem above a coiffure of twisted locks wound around the head like a wreath. A round brooch, probably a fibula, fastens the drapery at her chest. A small object shows behind her shoulder, perhaps the tip of a quiver or scepter or the knot of a veil, though it is too small to identify with confidence. The carver used the drill and wheel economically, giving the hair crisp, lively grooves set against the softer modeling of the face and neck. Gems like this were set into rings and pressed into wax as personal seals, so the design was cut in reverse to read correctly in the impression. Size: 0.59" L x 0.38" W x 0.1" D (1.5 cm L x 1.0 cm W x 0.3 cm D).
Provenance: ex-private collection New Jersey, USA, via family descent, originally acquired in the 1980s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205243
Condition
Intact and excellent with good remaining detail.
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1–300 CE. An oval intaglio of translucent, milky blue-gray chalcedony, engraved with the profile bust of a woman, either a goddess or a lady of rank. She wears a crown or diadem above a coiffure of twisted locks wound around the head like a wreath. A round brooch, probably a fibula, fastens the drapery at her chest. A small object shows behind her shoulder, perhaps the tip of a quiver or scepter or the knot of a veil, though it is too small to identify with confidence. The carver used the drill and wheel economically, giving the hair crisp, lively grooves set against the softer modeling of the face and neck. Gems like this were set into rings and pressed into wax as personal seals, so the design was cut in reverse to read correctly in the impression. Size: 0.59" L x 0.38" W x 0.1" D (1.5 cm L x 1.0 cm W x 0.3 cm D).
Provenance: ex-private collection New Jersey, USA, via family descent, originally acquired in the 1980s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205243
Condition
Intact and excellent with good remaining detail.
