Details
34 in. (1.9 cm.) long
Provenance
Giorgio Sangiorgi (1886-1965), Rome, acquired and brought to Switzerland, late 1930s; thence by continuous descent to the current owner.
Brought to you by

Lot Essay


The flat oval stone is engraved with a nude warrior, depicted frontally, standing on a short groundline. His head is turned in profile, and he holds a spear and a short sword in his lowered hand, with a mantle draped over the arm. His other arm is positioned over his head, his fingers touching the tip of the spear. The gem is mounted as a ring in a 19th century gold setting.
In Sangiorgi’s notes, he connected the pose of the warrior with that of the Greek sculptural type of the wounded Amazon from the late 5th century B.C., who likewise rests an arm across the top of her head (see nos. 389 and 390 in A. Stewart, Greek Sculpture). The gem more closely recalls the Apollo Lykeios by Praxiteles from the 4th century B.C. (fig. 17 in M. Bieber, The Sculpture of the Hellenistic Age).

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Masterpieces in Miniature: Ancient Engraved Gems formerly in the G. Sangiorgi Collection Part II
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report