Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection
Lot 13:
This exquisite Roman cameo, carved from sardonyx agate, features a finely detailed portrait of a deity, dating to the 2nd century A.D. or later. The cameo exhibits the classical profile style, with the deity’s serene facial features, including softly rendered hair and a delicate veil, meticulously carved to convey the divinity’s grace and timeless beauty.
The sardonyx agate, with its layered bands of translucent and opaque hues, provides a striking contrast that enhances the depth and dimension of the carving. The artist skillfully utilized the natural color variations of the stone to emphasize the deity’s face against the darker background, creating a powerful and elegant image that would have served as a symbol of reverence and religious devotion.
Cameos like this were often used in personal adornments or as devotional objects, signifying the wearer’s piety and connection to the divine. The quality of the carving and the choice of materials suggest that this piece was intended for an individual of high status.
L: 3.9cm
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