Ancient Hellenistic Greek Agate Intaglio Philosopher & Herma

Code: 10218

This is a wonderful ancient Greek agate intaglio of a Philosopher, dating to the Hellenistic period of the 3rd - 1st century B.C. The gem is cut on a banded agate gemstone, with a detailed image of a seated philosopher, reading from a scroll to a figure of a Herma. It is a small gem that would have once been set into a gold or silver signet ring, used to seal and authenticate letters and writings. Today this ancient gem has survived in excellent condition, an ideal piece to be reset or added to an important collection.

OBJECT: Intaglio

CULTURE: Hellenistic 

DATE: c. 3rd - 1st century B.C.

MATERIAL: Agate

SIZE: 10mm x 8mm x 2mm

WEIGHT: 0.32 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection