Loading, please wait...
LOT 0137
Carnelian Gemstone with Bust of Zeus
ROMAN, 2ND CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
5/8 in. (0.68 grams, 15 mm).
The oval intaglio engraved with a bearded head of Zeus or an emperor in profile, bearded, a laurel crown laced behind the neck.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1998, for similar.
FootnotesZeus, the main god of the Graeco-Roman pantheon, typically has his hair radiating outwards, forming a corona of individual strands. The 2nd century emperor Hadrian was the first bearded Roman emperor, a fashion continued by his successors, creating a representation in connection with the image of the King of the Olympians.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0137
Carnelian Gemstone with Bust of Zeus
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Bronze Standing Bull Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing. 14.8 grams, 33 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
.jpg)
Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £80,000 - 100,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40,000
With luxuriant long wavy hair and characteristic vertical locks at the forehead, full beard with two large ringlets below the chin, wearing a chiton and a himation draped over the left shoulder, the head surmounted by a corn modius decorated with olive branch in relief, the bust supported on the back of an eagle standing atop an orb with spread wings, the eagle with its head slightly turned to the left, the feathers finely detailed; a finial from a staff or a ceremonial standard. 1.4 kg, 29.5 cm high
Repaired.
Ex private collection, South Germany, 1980. with Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 13 December 2003, lot 74. with Christie's, New York, 8 June 2012, lot 239. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11789-206489.
The Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.) modelled many of his portraits based on Serapis. But it was under Hadrian that the refurbishment of the statue in the Serapeum increased the demand for small-scale images, like this one, probably made during his reign and used atop of a processional sceptre or standard for the cult of the god. -
Roman Silver-Gilt Ring with Bust of Goddess
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
Composed of a large hoop with raised tongue-shaped plaques at the shoulders, bezel formed as the bust of goddess Selene wearing a crescentic crown; trace remains of gilding. 12.63 grams, 34.40 mm overall, 21.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.
