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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-Handled Iron Key
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £173
With angled shank, wolf-head handle. 70 grams, 92 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Lamp with Theatrical Mask
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
Nozzle with quasi-volutes, theatrical mask surrounding the central opening; ring-handle with palmette attachment; base moulded. 220 grams, 13.3 cm
Acquired from Weber, Kohl. Ex private collection, Rhemish, Germany. with Gorny & Mosch, 14 December 2010, lot 499. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11800-206492.
The principal parts of a lamp were the body or reservoir which contained the oil (infundibulum); the flat circular top (discus) on which the design, if any, was placed, sometimes with an ornamented rim (margo), the nozzle, with a hole for the insertion of the wick (rostrum, nasus, myxus), the wick, known as ellydinium, the handle (ansa, manubrium). -
Roman Bronze Bust of a Youth
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled in the half-round with a dressed hair and stylised facial features; bare-chested except for a folded cloak fastened over his left shoulder. 34.5 grams, 42.5 mm
Acquired from J. S. Fine Art, Bodicote, Oxfordshire, UK. Property of a Shropshire private collector.
