A roman carnelian intaglio. Eros with a theatrical mask.
1st century A.D.
11 x 18 x 6 mm
the winged character plays with a large theatrical mask, carrying it on his shoulders. According to a certain ironic and virtuoso sense, the young eros appears with his face inside the wide open mouth of the mask, looking the spectator from the scene and identify himself with the elderly character. The mask is held by his tender child's hands, and is characterized by a thick beard, large orbital cavities, short hair with ribbons. The erote is depicted in three-quarters seen from behind, engraved and polished with great skill. The stone has a convex surface with traces of ancient burning at the bottom. Slight wear marks.
Price realized | 5'000 GBP |
Starting price | 800 GBP |
Estimate | 2'000 GBP |