Baroque banded agate intaglio of a philosopher

Code: 11159

This is an excavated Baroque agate intaglio, dating to the 17th century. It is cut with a portrait of a bearded philosopher, (perhaps Socrates?) Such a gem may have been set into a gold signet ring, used to seal and authenticate letters between learned friends.

OBJECT: Intaglio

CULTURE: Baroque

DATE: c. 17th century

MATERIAL:  Agate

SIZE:  21.58mm x 19.10mm x 5.14mm 

WEIGHT:  3.48 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. property of a private collector, Paris.