Details
11116 in. (4.2 cm.) long
Provenance
Giorgio Sangiorgi (1886-1965), Rome, acquired by 1933 and brought to Switzerland, late 1930s; thence by continuous descent to the current owner.
Literature
L. Curtius, "Ikonographische Beiträge zum Porträt der Römischen Republik und der Julisch-Claudischen Familie," Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archaeologischen Instituts, Roemische Abteilung 48, 1933, pp. 192-196, pls. 28, 1 and 29, 1.
E. Löwy, "Quesiti Intorno All Lupa Capitolina," in Studi Etruschi 8, 1934, p. 83, fig. 1.
J. Boardman and C. Wagner, Masterpieces in Miniature: Engraved Gems from Prehistory to the Present, London, 2018, p. 163, no. 149.
P. Gołyźniak, Engraved Gems and Propaganda in the Roman Republic and under Augustus, Oxford, 2020, p. 245, n. 302.
Brought to you by
Hannah Fox SolomonHead of Department, Specialist
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.View condition report

Lot Essay

On this large convex carnelian, pierced twice horizontally, is the facing cuirassed bust of a man. In relief on his breasplate is the Lupa Romana with the twins Romulus and Remus. Although Curtis and Löwy considered this to be an ancient portrait of M. Vipsanius Agrippa, the intimate of Emperor Augustus, more recent scholarship has questioned both the attribution and antiquity.

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Masterpieces in Miniature: Ancient Engraved Gems formerly in the G. Sangiorgi Collection Part III
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Condition report

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