Bidspirit auction | A POST-MEDIEVAL AGATE CAMEO DEPICTING

A POST-MEDIEVAL AGATE CAMEO DEPICTING A BEARDED MALE HEAD, 16TH–18TH CENTURY AD. - A post-medieval carved agate cameo, dating to approximately the 16th–18th century AD. Of oval form, the stone is carved in high relief with the frontal portrait of a mature bearded male figure. The subject is represented with deeply set eyes, prominent facial features and abundant curling hair merging into a full, textured beard. The physiognomy and classicalising treatment suggest the representation of a figure from Greco-Roman mythology or antiquity, possibly a deity, philosopher or heroic type. The carving makes effective use of the natural translucent honey-brown and darker inclusions of the agate to lend depth and tonal variation to the portrait. Approximately 7 x 5.8cm