A roman rock crystal intaglio. Bust of Hercules.

2nd century A.D.

1,3 x 1,7 x 5 mm

The mythological hero is facing right and depicted with young features; plain chick, rounded chin, a long straight nose and a wide-open eye. The short fronthead is surmonted by a range of weavy hair, the rest covered by the head of a lion letting the ears uncovered. The details of the animal skin is well rendered, the crest hairs and the paws binding around the neck of the hero. Very fine execution and beautiful variety of rock crystal, with few inclusions. Wear marks.

U.K private collection, London.

Estimate: GBP 2000 - 4000