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LOT 0093
Gnostic Epigraphic Gemstone
3RD-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (1.25 grams, 14 mm).
An engraved gemstone with a stylised image of Harpocrates, depicted as a naked child with a finger raised on his mouth, seated on a lotus flower in a boat, groups of wild animals arranged in threes surrounding; the other side with a magic inscription in Greek letters 'I, E, A, P, Φ, K, Ο, Γ'.
ProvenanceAcquired before 1988.
Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
See Sfameni, C., 'Magic in Late Antiquity: the evidence of magical gems' in Late Antique Archaeology, Volume: 6 Issues: 1, 2010, pp.435-473, fig.6, for a gem intaglio with similar feature.
FootnotesEgyptian deities are often represented on magical gems. One of the most interesting figures is the image of Harpocrates seated on a lotus flower, called ‘the young sun’. This figure had a solar nature and a protective function.
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AUCTIONS:
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Opening Bid: £200
An aqua-coloured glass vessel with rounded conical body, upward sloping everted rim with sloping internal face; applied trail to upper and lower neck, angular handle; iridescent surfaces; repaired. 57 grams, 14 cm high
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Roman Satyr Traveller Gemstone in Gold Ring
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A garnet cabochon with intaglio satyr traveller advancing with staff and pouch over his shoulder, set into a later gold finger ring. 8.22 grams, 27.20 mm overall, 22.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11619-199018.
The subject was popular on Roman gems: Silenus and the satyrs, grotesque hedonists, unrestrained in their desire for sex and wine, and yet immortal companions of Dionysus, were considered ‘cruder than men and yet somehow wiser, combining mischief with wisdom, lewdness with skill in music, animalism with divinity'. The counterpoint of the divine and the atavistic appealed to the Roman sense of moral superiority. -
Roman Ring with Engraved Bezel
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A bronze ring with D-section hoop, lentoid bezel engraved with a running hare. 1.48 grams, 20.32 mm overall, 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)
Acquired in the 1970s. Important European collection.
The libidinous hare was sacred to Aphrodite and Eros (Venus and Cupid), and live hares were often presented as love gifts.
