CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN CHALCEDONY FEMALE HEAD
CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.8 cm.) high

Provenance

with Elie Borowski, Basel.
Fridolin (1903-1969) and Halina (1907-1989) Schwitter-Lagutt Collection, Basel, acquired from the above prior to 1971.

Exhibited

On loan to the Antikenmuseum, Basel, 1971-2022.

Special notice

This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Claudio Corsi Specialist, Head of Department

ccorsi@christies.com +44 (0) 20 7389 2607

Lot Essay

Chalcedony, a type of cryptocrystalline quartz ranging in colour from grey to blue, was among the semi-precious gems favoured by the Romans. Many small sculptures in this precious material survive, often depicting members of the imperial family or deities. This head is carved in the round, likely from a full figure or bust, with centrally-parted hair combed back and delicate features.
For a discussion of Roman miniature sculptures in chalcedony, see M. Padgett, 'A Chalcedony Statuette of Herakles', in Record of the Art Museum of Princeton University, vol. 54, no. 1, 1995, pp. 2-22.

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