Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
_200x200.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
_900x900.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
_200x200.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
_900x900.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
_200x200.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
.jpg "Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions")
LOT 0076
Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions
6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C. OR LATER
3/4 in. (4.25 grams, 19 mm).
Scaraboid type with incuse design to the underside of a nude hero facing, holding one lion by the neck and another by the hind leg; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. a similar (but not identical) gemstone with Herakles fighting a lion and a fox, in Boardman, J., Greeks gems and finger rings, Early Bronze Age to Late Classical, London, 1970, no.343; cf. also Spier, J., Ancient Gems and finger Rings, catalogue of the collections, the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 1992, no.103.
FootnotesThe gem could be considered a representation of Heracles, even if the iconography is unusual, and is influenced by the Mesopotamian environment, from where it borrows the frontal image of the hero (Gilgamesh or Enkidu) fighting with two beasts. The hero is beardless and holding an inverted lion. He is acting like a master of the animals, showing eastern traits reminiscent of Graeco-Phoenician art. In the Phoenician tradition, a similar image of the god Bes, holding two lions, as posis theron (‘Master of the Animals’), is common. The type is more frequent in the Eastern Mediterranean than in the West and is found on scarabs in carnelian and chalcedony.
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 0076
Eastern Greek Carnelian Scaraboid Gemstone with Nude Hero Holding Lions
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
-
Greek Bronze Fitting with Fox
Circa 5th century B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
L-shaped bracket with a leaping fox, the beast with an elongated muzzle and swept-back ears. 46.7 grams, 62 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Etruscan Carnelian Scarab with Bust of a Warrior in Later Victorian Gold Brooch
5th-4th century B.C. and laterEstimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
The scarab with anatomical detailing on the carapace, underside with a profile bust of a helmetted warrior; set in a later brooch frame with swivel mount for the scarab. 10.35 grams, 55 mm
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13358- 257891.
Egyptian-style scarabs and scaraboids were characteristic of Etruscan art from the 8th century B.C. Originally made in Phoenicia, Cyprus or Rhodes, these objects were made of faience, blue paste, glass paste, bone, or semi-precious stones of varying hardness, from steatite to quartz, onyx and jasper. Mounted in settings on revolving pendants of precious metal, later imitated by Etruscan goldsmiths, these Egyptianising items performed prophylactic-religious functions. -
Greek Bronze Ring with Standing Figure
Circa 3rd-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £30 - 40 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Featuring a slender hoop and a lentoid bezel with a standing figure dressed in a long garment. 1.86 grams, 20.33 mm overall, 17.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
