A fine greek late classical banded agate intaglio set in a gold pendant. Diana Lucifera.

4th century ...

A fine greek late classical banded agate intaglio set in a gold pendant. Diana Lucifera.

4th century B.C.

Stone 18x24x4 mm; overall 25x33 mm; 7,07 gr.

The divinity is standing, facing left. With both hands she holds two long burning torches. The figure is draped with a long tunic characterized by very fine drapery folds and engraved with extreme refinement. The right foot is resting on the ground, while the left is slightly raised. Ground line. The body is slightly three-quarter, while the head is in profile. The hair is elegantly gathered; the delicate profile with idealized features. Diana wears a bow and quiver on her shoulders, while the torches identify her as a "lucifera" with reference also to the figure of Hecate and to the magical world (Inferos). The gem has the traces of two ancient micro holes on the edge probably for a rotating mount. The banded agate is characterized at the top by a lighter and more transparent part (possibly referable to the light of the torches and the earthly brightness), while going down to the stone it has a darker area (symbolizing the night and the underworld). Mirror polishing. Masterful style and execution. Signs of wear and small chips on the edge. The gem is set in a 22ct gold pendant, likely from the late 19th century/ early 20th, with a swivel suspension ring. Parallels: J. Boardman, Intaglios and rings. Greek, Etruscan and Eastern from a private collection, n. 39. J. Boardman, GGFR, n. 533 and 735 for a very close specimen (from the London Market, 1934. A fine greek classical gold ring. Kore, with two torches, Sotheby, 18. VII. 1934 n.116). On a coin of Kyzikos, Nomisma VII, pl. 6.12. See greco-roman coinage with the same figure (Artemis Phosphoros). 53435. Cfr. Statue einer Frau als Diana Lucifera ergänzt mit nicht zugehörigem Kopf: Musei Vaticani, Galleria Chiaramonti in Amelung, Vat.Kat. I 677 Nr. 548 Taf. 72; B. Andreae (Hrsg.), Museo Chiaramonti. Bildkatalog der Skulpturen des Vatikanischen Museums I 2 (1995) Taf. 764 (Arachne database - Koeln). See roman coinage: Faustina II bronze As RIC 1629 ; Aureus of Julia Domna Coh. 31 RIC 548 Calico 2610, reverse: DIANA LVCIFERA.

Provenance: UK private collection, acquired in the London art market 1980s; previously from the F. M-G collection 70's.