This large convex ringstone is engraved with a nude bust of a man. Despite the distinctive physiognomy and the large size of the stone, which suggests he is from the upper strata of society, his identity is not known. He has short curly hair and a short beard, much like the Emperor Caracalla, to whose reign this likely dates. In the field is a star and a crescent moon, devices found on some Roman Imperial coins from eastern mints, as well as on Sasanian gems. For a gem of similar style and quality, compare the portrait of Caracalla in Paris, no. 233 in M.-L. Vollenweider and M. Avisseau-Broustet, Camées et intailles, Tome II, Les Portraits romains du Cabinet des médailles.
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Masterpieces in Miniature: Ancient Engraved Gems formerly in the G. Sangiorgi Collection Part III
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Intact; very tiny chips to the edges; some minute surface scratches.
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