Featured This could be very old or a tourist type copy. How do I know?

This was in one of the old flat box type jewelry boxes with glass in the lid. There were lots of goodies in the box and I've id'ed or sold most. But, I'm left with this ring or seal.

It looks like hand worked brass. The front has a recessed figure of a soldier(?) on one knee. It doesn't show in the picture but he has what looks like a spear in his hands and a plume on his head.

How do I find out what this is?

 

I think you mean intaglio? Not The Dying Gaul, is it?

Debora

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dying_Gaul

 

Looks interesting, but I'm having a tough time completing the image from the shoulders up. Worth investigating.

 

Yes, intaglio. Thank you.

It isn't the Dying Gaul. This looks like the traditional marriage proposal position.

 

Oh, I see, he's making an offering. I thought the his head was together with the outstretched arms. His head is up.

 

Heres what I see, but I could be wrong.

 

It looks more to me like the head is down, almost in the crook of his arm/elbow. You can see his eyes, and hair.

But know that I've drawn it, the head is a bit out of place for that to work.

 

Any chance you can press it into some clay and show us a "positive" of what you're seeing?? I, for one, am just not seeing anything....sorry.....WELL, now, after your sketch, I'm seeing much better!!!!

 

Of course, it may not be Classical at all but a logical place to start. Kneeling Satyr? Statue of a Wounded Galatian?

Debora

 

Here are some more pics from different angles.

 

These are pretty close to what I see.

 

I wish I did have some clay, it would give a different perspective.

 

This might help a tiny bit.....inverted the image.............

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Do you have a Michael's or Hobby Lobby close by? They carry artist material like clay & I saw a couple of varieties that were less than $3.00 for a 20 oz. package.

 

I'm in a small town so no craft stores.

Look at Aquitaine's post. It has a reversed view.

 

I can't be of any help with this piece I just thought if you were going to sell it an impressed into clay image might help.

 

Make some cookies and while you’re baking press it into the dough to see the impression it makes. Not sure if that would work or not, but I like cookies!

 

Or Blu tac.