A fine, roman black agate intaglio, mounted on an ancient gold ring. Bust-private portrait of a young man. The effigy is certainly attributable to a member of the roman nobilitas, especially the julio-claudian dinasty. The young face shows a small and weak chin, slightly closed lips and a regular and projecting nose. A significant feature is the slightly round forehead, showing some similarities with Tiberius' features, and partly Caligula's too. Also the short hair, finely sketched, absolutely corresponds with the ones in julio-claudian portraits. The engraving is carried out with remarkable artistry and technical competence, with a certain attention to anatomical details, aiming at a specific research in terms of expressiveness and physiognomy. Mirror-finish polishing. The gem, of a rectangular shape and with blunted edges, is set (elevated) in a magnificent coeval ring, of a square shape, slightly octagonal, with a large and flat hoop. The ring can be referred to a private portrait, commissioned by a princeps of the julio-claudian dinasty. 1st century A.D.
intaglio 2 x 10 x 3 mm; ring diam. 18 x 21 mm; gr. 11,93