Roman Sardonyx Cameo of a Winged Erote Face

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 3rd century CE. A breathtaking sardonyx cameo, expertly sculpted in three layers, the white visage against a black ground, with a black-and-white verso, depicting the head of an Erote turned slightly to the left, presenting an elegant oval face, finely delineated delicate features, the countenance flanked by wings, and showing wispy, cloud-like forms symbolizing the celestial realm around the chin and cheeks. A cameo of this size would be ideal for a pendant or ring. Size: 0.625" L x 0.625" W (1.6 cm x 1.6 cm).

Ancient Roman cameos traditionally were made of a dark stone that possessed bands or layers of white throughout the composition, such as sardonyx. The layered sardonyx stone was then skillfully carved so that the figures stood out in white relief against the black or brown part of the stone. Cameos were immensely popular in ancient Rome, typically used to commemorate a deity or personage.

Provenance: purchased from Suzanne Artuner, New Jersey 1998; gifted by mother Frances Artuner in 1995 who had owned in Belgium since the 1960’s

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#149846
Condition Report: Slight surface wear, but overall remarkably well preserved. Verso of the piece shows carving marks - left that way by the ancient artisan.