A very fine roman imperial emerald intaglio. Bust of Pantheistic Zeus.

2nd century A.D.

15x18x5 mm

The bearded divinity faces right, and is characterized by a modio (attribute of Jupiter Serapis) and the horns of a ram (attribute of Jupiter Ammon). Usually, this type of combination also more commonly includes the solar rays of Helios, and the staff of Asclepius, all in the same gem. The particularly interesting aspects of this intaglio are the iconography (rare), the extraordinary refined executive style (after a Greek model), and above all the material: the emerald. The stone is large in size, characterized by an exceptional color. The shape is oval, cabochon on the back, while the surface is flatter near the face. Wear marks. Mirror polished. The anatomical details are expertly engraved, just as the modius is engraved with great tecnique. Probably alexandrian workshop. The face shows some interesting physiognomic features, which for some details is very similar to the portraits of the emperor Septimius Severus (the nose, the eye with the thick contours, the thick beard and the curly hair). The presence of the cult of Zeus Serapis is attested in the coeval coinage (Septimius Severus, bronze minted at Nikopolis ad Istrum. between 193-211 AD, REV: NIKOPOL PROC IC, Draped bust of Serapis in modius, facing right). Gold Aureus of Septimius Severus (193-211 C.E.; and a Frontal Portrait of Jupiter Ammon on the Reverse. Rev. IOVI VICTORI Head of Jupiter Ammon facing three-quarters r. C 249. BMC p. 219 note *. Hunterian 91. RIC 272. Calicó 2468.) For the style and subject see also emperor Hadrien drachm, from Egypt. Parallels: G.M.A. Richter, p. 66 n. 262; AGDS, Band III, Gottingen/Kassel, n. 89. BNF Cabinet des Médailles, intaille "Buste de Sérapis-Ammon, inv.58.2021; intaille "Buste de Sérapis-Ammon radié" inv.58.2022; intaille en emeraude, "Jupiter lauré"nv.58.1415bis.

Provenance: UK private collection, acquired in the London art market.