An hellenistic garnet intaglio set in a gold ring. Apollo.

2nd century B.C.

Int diam 20 mm; stone 8x14 mm; 7,37 gr.

The divinity is depicted frontally, with the head turned slightly to the right and the body to the left, in a slight twist. Typical Hellenistic pose. With his hands he holds the lyre. Base line. The gem is cabochon and concave on the back. Attractive stone color. Large oval garnet cabochon intaglio depicting the god Apollo standing naked in contrapposto toward left, playing the lyra. Groundline. The modern gold mouting is made of a plain rounded hoop, flatten within with outbroad shoulders extending into an oval box-setting containing the intaglio. Parallels: AGDS Munchen, n. 559-566, 572; G.M.A. Richter, Catalogue of engraved gems, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, n. 157 - 159.

Provenance: UK private collection.

Estimate: GBP 1000 - 2000