In 18 ct gold, set with a rare Hellenistic intaglio... Lot 18

In 18 ct gold, set with a rare Hellenistic intaglio on rutilated quartz the mask of Medusa. The frontal mask is characterized by a hair and snakes with pronounced undulations. Above the skull, two finely incised wings. The face is rounded and characterized by a dramatic expression by a dramatic expression; the pronounced nose, the mouth slightly open, the forehead frowned and the eyes sunken to the incised iris. Around it, 6 Greek letters MOΔIIT. The extraordinary rarity of this intaglio lies in its execution its execution on a rutilated quartz which accentuates the apotropaic and aesthetic symbolism of this work. Roman intaglio, 1st century B.C. 18 x 19 mm Ring in 18 ct gold, early 20th century. Diam int 19 mm ; 14,1 grs A 18k gold ring set with a rare roman rutilated quartz intaglio depicting Medusa. The frontal mask is characterized by moving hair and serpents with pronounced waves. Above the skull, two finely incised wings. The face of rounded shape and characterized by a dramatic expression; the pronounced nose, the mouth slightly open, the wrinkled forehead and the sunken eyes with the incised iris. Around, 6 Greek letters MOΔIIT. The extraordinary rarity of this intaglio lies in its execution on rutilated quartz which accentuates the apotropaic and aesthetic symbolism of this work. Parallels Story-Maskelyne, M.H.: The Marlborough Gems (1870): no. 266 Boardman, J., Scarisbrick, D., Wagner C., Zwierlein-Diehl, E: The Marlborough Gems (2009): no. 128, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore: 42.1157 Provenance Former private collection, Paris