A roman imperial burnt jasper intaglio set in an iron ring. Male bust.

Late 2nd century A.D.

Stone 13 x 17 mm; ring size 10 x 13 mm circa; mounting 21 x 29 mm circa. 9,74 gr.

Beautiful male portrait, facing left, engraved with depth in the stone. The gem has traces of burning and deposits of ferrous oxydes that have penetrated its surface. The stone is still inside its original iron ring, which shows strong corrosion and oxydation. The juvenile portrait is referable to the Severian period, between the period of Pescennio Nigro and Settimio Severo. The fashion of the hair and beard still has influences from the Hadrian and Antonine period, but the stylistic characteristics reveal its belonging more to the end of the second century AD. Fine male portrait, probably a member of the aristocracy in the military elite, near the emperor's family. Rare. Parallel: M-L. Volleinweider, Camées et intailles. Les Portraits romains du Cabinet des médailles. Tome II, p. 115 n. 220, p. 118 n. 225,226 ss.