Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Eros, the Greek God of Love Holding a Theatrical Mask

1ST CENTURY A.D.

5/8 in. (1.8 grams, 17 mm).

Plano-convex in section with intaglio scene: a small winged character stands beneath a large theatrical mask, supporting it on his shoulders; supplied with a museum-quality impression.

Provenance

Acquired on the UK art market.
Private collection, England.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13118-249633.

Literature

Cf. Neverov, O.I.: Antichnie Kamei v Sobranii Ermitazha, 1988, item 62.

Footnotes

The young Eros appears with his face inside the wide-open mouth of the mask, looking out as a spectator. The mask is held in his small hands and is characterised by a thick beard, large orbital cavities, and short hair with ribbons. He is depicted in three-quarters seen from behind, engraved and polished with great skill.
The stone has a convex surface with traces of ancient burning at the bottom and slight wear marks.

CONDITION

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LOT 0140