Georgian Mars Gemstone in Fob Seal. 19th century A.D. A carnelian intaglio bearing the figure of the god Mars, helmetted, rendered as a muscular nude male standing left, holding a spear in his left hand, right hand resting on a shield or bow at his feet; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. See a similar gemstone as prototype in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, p.226 pl.5. 2.15 grams, 20 mm (3/4 in.) Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. The god of war was a much-used image in Georgian England, and Roman gemstones were realised from classical prototypes, although details such as the shape of the helmets or the position of the shield and spear were changed in the neo-classical imagery.

Very fine condition.