An exceptional greek hellenistic amethyst intaglio set in a late 19th century gold ring. Head of a Youth.

Stone : 2nd century B.C.

Stone : 13x14x5 mm; int diam 19 mm; 2,89 gr.

The mounting with rounded leafed-shape hoop extending outbroad in three parts on the shoulders and surmonted by an oval openworked hatched box-setting containing the amethyst intaglio (cabochon on the backside). The young male head is facing right and characterized by very fine features. The face is engraved with very low and delicate volumes; pupil and iris engraved. The hair is formed by deeply engraved locks, with very fine lines. Intaglio made by a greek master. Probably an idealized portrait of a ptolemaic prince. Parallels: for the style, the anatomycal features and the portrait's typology see M-L. Vollenweider, Camées et intailles. Tome I, Les Portraits grecs du Cabinet des médailles pl. 67 n. 123, 124, (La dynastie des Ptolémées)

Provenance: UK private collection, from the english art market. From a 19th century collection based on the mounting.

Estimate: GBP 7000 - 9000