Archaeological Museum of Bologna

In the second half of the first century BC the contacts between Rome and the Hellenistic world are very close: the most prominent characters of the Republic begin to form collections of gems on the model of the Hellenistic principles ring collections. The most talented engravers move so at clients and transfer to Rome their shops, reaching also notoriety as evidenced by the signatures often affixed to their works.

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In this period gem's production icreased, and portrait appeared. This is an excellent example, perhaps made by a greek artist: there is Eracle's portrait, young and beardless. Late-hellenistic influence is evident in hair realization, in contrast with the leontè on his head.

Provenance: unknow
Datation: Half of the 1st century BC
Material: Red and orange carnelian-stone
Dimensions: mm 16,2 x 13,6 x 3
Inventory #: Gl 17