Roman Garnet Cameo of a Grotesque Head

With incised ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 5.42 grams, 14 mm



From a collection of gaming items, formed 1980-1990s.

Comprising: a ring with D-section hoop widening at the shoulders, oval cell to the bezel to accept an insert; a red glass intaglio with a stylised profile bust(?) set in a bronze mount. 12.70 grams, 24.03 mm overall, 16.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, collector. From his private collection since the 1970s; thence by descent circa 2000. Ex private collection of a Bedfordshire gentleman.

Carved in the round bust of a cynical, mature philosopher with short tousled hair and thick beard, exaggerated protruding eyes and gaunt facial features, the mouth modelled slightly open as if the subject is in pain; mounted on a custom-made stand. 47.6 kg total, 60 cm including stand



Private collection, Paris, 1980s. European private collection. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.237041. Accompanied by an academic report by Professor Neritan Ceka. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12610-234690. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The portrait head was initially meant to be assembled on a statue. Chisel marks at the neck level indicate a relatively late separation of the head from the body, which must have been twice its natural size. The working of the back of the head suggests that the sculpture was exposed only to the front. The search for realistic traits brings this head close to the Hellenistic portraits of the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, representing socially disadvantaged people of different ages and situations, such as fishermen and peasants, in the so-called genre sculptures. This presentation would be in contrast to the supernatural proportions of the portrait, which should have represented an elderly, publicly known person, poet, or philosopher, exhibited in his city of origin. In this respect, it would be more suited to the representation of a Cynical philosopher, in the model of Diogenes of Villa Albani. The almond-shaped eyes without drilled pupils, engraved eyes, and the absence of a deep drilling technique on hair date the portrait between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD.