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  • 55 A rare greek hellenistic beryl intaglio. Crab. 2nd - 1st ...

Lot 55 - Auction 107

A rare greek hellenistic beryl intaglio. Crab.
Estimate:
3.000,00/6.000,00 £
Starting price:
1.800,00 GBP
Price realized:
11.000,00 GBP
Bids:
24

Bids

Lot status:
Auction closed

Description

A rare greek hellenistic beryl intaglio. Crab.


2nd - 1st century B.C.



15x16x8 mm


The crustacean is seen from above. The crab holds a shell (mussel?) between its claws. Every anatomical detail is rendered with great skill and naturalism. Popular and frequent subject in classical glyptic production; the reference model is identifiable to the late classical Greek art. The animal is deeply engraved in an extraordinary beryl, characterized by an intense and luminous color, thanks to the very convex surface. The shape of thr stone is more typical of the early hellenistic period.  Wear marks on the surface. Mirror polishing inside the intaglio. Of great rarity.


Parallel: See greek coinage: Sicily, Akragas, silver Didrachm (circa 490-470 BC); Akragas, Sicily. Circa 414-413 BC. AR Tetradrachm.



Provenance: London, art market 1990s.

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