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LOT 0186
Byzantine Gold Pendant with Carnelian Cameo Bust
CIRCA 3RD-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (8.97 grams, 39 mm).
Carved bust modelled in the half-round with large lentoid eyes and braided hair to the brow, depicting a disciple, an apostle, or a portrait; gold cell with band of granules to the outer edge, ribbed suspension loop with granule detailing.
ProvenanceFrom a North American gentleman's collection, 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13367-259037.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 690, 692, for types of late Roman gemstones.
FootnotesTowards the end of the 3rd century, the Roman production of gemstones decreased quickly. At the same time, early Christian motifs appeared on the gemstones. Rare motifs like the one in the current gemstone show portraits of noblewomen or men.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0186
Byzantine Gold Pendant with Carnelian Cameo Bust
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Christ and Saints
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Bifacial enkolpion with roundel to end of each arm, hinged polyhedral suspension loop above; obverse with low-relief central Corpus Christi and bust of a saint in each roundel; reverse with central seated figure of Mary surrounded by text and with a nimbate bust in each roundel. 56.8 grams, 98 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Byzantine Carved Agate Cameo of The Holy Banquet
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,420
Plano-convex in section with low-relief carving: scene with a meal at a so-called sigma table surrounded by Christ, Peter, John and the other disciples; Christ and Peter attending and beardless Saint John the Evangelist preparing the fish. 9.95 grams, 32 mm
From a North American gentleman's collection, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13368-259040.
In early Byzantine art, Saint Peter is often depicted as the only figure apart from Christ to be shown with a nimbus, to emphasise his pre-eminent position as a church father and the 'rock' of the church. -
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Cross Pendant
Circa 9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £140
Bifacial cross with lobed finials, gilt Greek inscription on both sides, one side with 'KE BOHΘΗ' placed vertically and 'TON ΔOY[...]' horizontally; the other side with 'ΛON COY CTYΛY' placed vertically, and 'ANON' horizontally; the whole inscription reading: 'KγριΕ BOHΘH TON ΔOYΛON COY CTYΛYANON' = Lord helps your servant Stylianos. 4.52 grams, 34 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
