AN EASTERN GREEK LATE ARCHAIC-EARLY CLASSICAL CHALCEDONY SCULPTED AND ENGRAVED SCARABOID SEAL. HEAD

AN EASTERN GREEK LATE ARCHAIC-EARLY CLASSICAL CHALCEDONY SCULPTED AND ENGRAVED SCARABOID SEAL. HEAD OF A GORGONE / GORGONE HOLDING TWO LIONS. Late 6th-Early 5th century B.C.20x23x7,5 mmOf scaraboid shape, pierced lenghtwise. The backside carved in relief with a Medusa mask, with archaic features. The reverse is engraved with a standing Gorgone going left with large wings. Face and upper body are represented in a frontal view meanwhile the legs are in profile.In her hands, she holds lions. She wears a long chiton, with a belt made of a two snakes. On both sides, the Gorgone shows her typical apotropaic features; eyes wide, tongue sticking out, with her hair full of snakes. Groundline. Use of globular elements for anatomical details. Cable border. Small chips and wear marks on the stone. Rare.For a similar typology and iconography see: Antique Intaglios in the Hermitage Collection, n°16; BOARDMAN, J., Greek Gems and Fingers rings, n°378 and 406-407Provenance: U.K. private collection acquired on the british art market.