A fine rectangular beryl aquamarine intaglio. Male bust portrait.
Probably 16th - 18th century (?).
10 x 12 x 5 mm

This refined male portrait, facing left, is engraved on an aquamarine of extraordinary purity and brightness, with a convex surface that gives almost a tridimensional aspect to the face when viewed in transparency. The precious effigy can be considered as a private portrait (to be identified) in the manner of the late roman republican portraiture to the early imperial models (Julio-Claudian gens). The face, characterized by a strong-willed expression, is engraved with precise physiognomic details.The profile is emphazises by a protruding nose. The neck is elongated until the cut of the bust, the hair adheres to the head and are finely engraved with very thin incisions. The face and neck are mirror polished while the surface of the gem has ancient signs of wear. The engraver skill is demonstrated by the high quality of the subject despite the small dimension of the stone itself, probably made for a private seal ring.