A gold ellipsoid brooch with inset central gemstone; the shield with concentric bands of beaded filigree enclosing a band of triangular granule clusters and granule collar to the central cell; applied pin-loop and carrier to the reverse, scrolled catch to the rim opposite; central garnet cabochon with intaglio standing figure of Tyche (Roman Fortuna) wearing a floor-length robe and modius headdress, cornucopia in one hand and rudder in the other.

PROVENANCE:
Formerly in the M. Velensky collection, London, UK, 1990s; accompanied by a copy of a five page examination report number 65/2008 by Dr. habil Mikhail Treister dated 8 December 2008, and an expertise from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 180228/04; an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no.168727/07/12/2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10350-168727.

FOOTNOTES:
Dr. Treister remarks 'stylistically the intaglio inserted in the brooch discussed is undoubtedly of Hellenistic Eastern Mediterranean origin and should be dated to 2nd - early 1st centuries BC.....the late Hellenistic gem was inserted in a somewhat later object. ... The brooch could have been most probably manufactures [sic] in the late 1st century BC - 1st century AD and decorated with an earlier intaglio of probably Alexandrine or Levantine origin, dating to the 2nd or early 1st century BC.'