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LOT 0104
Graeco-Roman Green Jasper Gemstone with Medusa
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.34 grams, 20.82 mm).
An exceptional intaglio engraved with head of Medusa in three-quarter view, depicted with a sorrowful expression, full lips and large eyes gazing up; voluminous hair composed of entangled snakes framing her face, large wings to the brow flanking a pair of rearing serpents, a knot of serpents below her chin.
ProvenanceAcquired in Switzerland 1970-1980.
From a London, UK, collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12034-214098.
Cf. Pirzio Biroli Stefanelli, L., L'Oro dei Romani, gioielli di eta' Imperiale, Roma, 1992, fig.14, for an identical head of Medusa on a cameo of Augustan Age.
FootnotesIn ancient mythology, Medusa was one of three monstrous winged female creatures who had venomous snakes living in her hair. In classical antiquity, representations of the head of Medusa appeared in the apotropaic device known as the Gorgoneion, designed to ward-off evil and bad luck.
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 0104
Graeco-Roman Green Jasper Gemstone with Medusa
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Fortuna Statuette
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
The goddess standing wearing a knee-length robe, bearing a cornucopia on her left arm. 89 grams total, 87 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Statuettes of Fortuna, the goddess of Chance, were evidently popular during the Roman Imperial times judging from the large number that have been found, and with the advent of the cult of Isis inside the Roman Empire the two divinities were identified as a single goddess. -
Roman and Byzantine Bronze Ring Group
Circa 3rd-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Including trumpet-bezel, square bezel, ellipsoid bezel and other types. 25 grams total, 15-24 mm
Ex C. Sullivan collection, UK, 1990s. -
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Monumental Roman Bronze Left Hand
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £15,600
Hollow-formed with forefinger extended and bent, thumb in gripping position and other fingers curled around; mounted on a custom-made stand; thumb and forefinger restored. 4.65 kg total, 34 cm (47.5 cm high including stand)
Ex Frits Philips, Eindhoven, Netherlands, before 1980. European private collection, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12056-213654.
