Roman, Imperial, 1st century A.D.

Banded Sardonyx

H: 2.1 cm, W: 1.8 cm, Depth: 0.41 cm

Serial: 15013

Provenance: Ex- US private collection, 2001

The gem is engraved with the bearded head of a mature man, probably a Ptolemeian, the Egyptian Greek rulers. The wavy hair style and heavily curled beard attest to the Hellenistic influence in this portrait. The white surface contrasts dramatically with the engraved image produced in the darker layer of the gemstone.