An Intaglio with Woman's Bust, probably Faustina the Younger
Roman, 2nd century A.D.
Carnelian
Height: 1.3 cm
Width: 1.0 cm
Depth: 0.2 cm
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This oval gem of carnelian in a rich orange hue, is incised with the bust of a woman facing right. Her hair is gathered in a low chignon, typical for the Antonine period. Elements of the facial features and coiffure are similar to coin portraits of the empress Faustina (ca. 130-176 A.D.), the wife of Marcus Aurelius. The quality of carving is exceptionally high.
PROVENANCE
Formerly priv. coll. Koppenwallner, since the 1970's, Cologne, Germany; thereafter by descent in the family.
NOTE
On the hairstyle, cf. K. Fittschen - P. Zanker, Katalog der römischen Porträts in den Capitolinischen Museen und den anderen kommunalen Sammlungen der Stadt Rom III. Kaiserinnen und Prinzessinnenbildnisse, Frauenporträts (Mainz 1983) no. 21, pl. 30.