Lot 334: A RARE ROMAN CARVED QUARTZ FIGURINE OF A BEARDED MAN, 2ND - 3RD CENTURY A.D.

This carved gemstone figurine, fashioned from a translucent quartz such as citrine or smoky quartz, depicts a kneeling, bearded male figure. Dating to the 2nd to 3rd Century A.D., the work is executed in a style characteristic of Roman glyptic art. The figure is rendered with a prominent forehead, deep-set eyes, and a long, detailed beard featuring distinct vertical braids. The anatomy is well-defined, showing a muscular torso with horizontal skin folds at the waist and a broad back with visible spinal curvature. The arms are held close to the body, bent at the elbows, with the hands meeting at the abdomen. The stone exhibits a range of natural hues from pale amber to smoky grey, with internal inclusions and fractures visible throughout.

Provenance: Private UK collection

L: 4cm