Greek, A Hellenistic garnet intaglio set in an antique gold ring, circa 2nd - 1st century BC

The elongated oval convex gem is carved with a nude male figure standing on a ground line in front of an altar. The figure is shown turning to his right with his head in profile. He is holding a scythe in his left hand, whilst in his right hand he holds some wheat stalks to make an offering.

Provenance

Private collection, UK, acquired before 2000, set in a gold ring in the 19th century

Literature

For discussion of the form and similar gems, see D. Plantzos, Hellenistic Engraved Gems, Oxford, 1999. For a Tassie impression of a gem with a youth making an offering of wheat see Beazley Archive Gem Database, no. 670.

Greek

Further images

Provenance

Literature