Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection
Lot 42:
This beautifully engraved intaglio, crafted from a striking green stone, dates to the 2nd – 3rd century AD and features a detailed depiction of a Roman female figure. The intaglio captures the profile of a woman with classical Roman features, including a carefully styled hair adorned with a laurel wreath or headband, and wearing a draped garment. The intricacy of the carving showcases the skill of the artisan, particularly in the lifelike rendering of the hair and facial features.
Green stones, such as jasper or plasma, were valued in the Roman world for their durability and vivid color, making them ideal for intaglios used as personal seals. This piece likely served both as a functional object, used to stamp a seal into wax or clay, and as a symbol of the wearer’s status and cultural identity.
L: 2.2cm
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