Neoclassical Gemstone Plaque
18th-19th century A.D. A banded agate intaglio engraved with an ancient Assyrian(?) style figural scene showing a man with sword in hand battling a sphinx-like mythical winged creature with the head of a woman and body of a lion, swollen teats lining the creature's belly; pair of drilled holes for suspension; chipped. 21.6 grams, 43 mm (1 3/4 in.). Property of a North London gentleman. Likely an allusion to ancient tales of the monstrous and treacherous sphinx attacking the hero.