Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection
Lot 14:
Exquisite Roman cameo, carved from sardonyx agate, features a finely detailed portrait of a male ruler, possibly an emperor or a significant political figure, dating to the 2nd century A.D. or later. The cameo exhibits the classical profile portrait style, with the ruler’s distinct facial features, including a strong jawline, aquiline nose, and closely cropped hair, meticulously rendered to convey both the realism and idealism typical of Roman portraiture.
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 highlight the subject’s face against the darker background, creating a powerful and elegant image that would have served as a symbol of authority and prestige.
Cameos like this were often worn as personal adornments or used in official contexts to signify loyalty and allegiance to the ruler depicted. The quality of the carving and the choice of materials suggest that this piece was intended for an individual of high status.
L: 3.5cm
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