A roman garnet intaglio set in a gold ring. Bust of Septimius Severus.

2nd century A.D.

Stone 13 x 15; ring size 17 x 18 mm; 10,24 gr.

Portrait of the emperor Septimius Severus (145-211), facing left. He wears a laurel wreath on his head and a cloak with a chlamys on his shoulders. The typical physiognomy of the face and the anatomical details fit perfectly to his portraits. A sure comparison comes from the coins, but there are some portraits engraved on gems and very similar cameos. This portrait is engraved on a large cabochon, still mounted in its original ancient mount. Signs of wear. Exemplary of great historical importance. Parallel: G.M.A. Richter, The engraved gems of the romans, part two, n. 572 ss.; M-L. Volleinweider, Camées et Intailles. Les portraits romains du Cabinet des médailles, Tome II n. 204 ss.

Provenance: UK private collection D.C.

Estimate: GBP 15000 - 20000