HELLENISTIC PERIOD, CIRCA 2ND-1ST CENTURY B.C.

Engraved on this elongated convex oval garnet ringstone is Apollo Kitharoidos. As D. Plantzos informs (Hellenistic Engraved Gems, p. 66), "The elongated oval shape that Hellenistic gem-cutters and their clientele seem to have preferred was best suited to standing figures of men or women, mostly deities, in relaxed or leaning postures." Here Apollo stands frontally, leaning against a column upon which stands his tripod, a reference to his sanctuary at Delphi. He is nude but for a mantle that drapes over his legs, leaving his torso exposed. He holds his kithara out to the side with his left arm crossing his chest. The frontal pose of his head is deeply engraved and successfully executed. The subject was popular on gems, especially in garnet and cheaper glass imitations of the precious stone (see nos. 259-263 in Plantzos, op. cit.).