Large Roman Blue Long Neck Vessel

A carnelian intaglio of Asclepius in a loosely draped himation with serpent coiled around his forearm, probably Asclepius the Greek god of healing; set into a later gold ring. 4.99 grams, 23.32 mm overall, 16.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Ex private East Coast, USA, collection. with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 21 February 2017. English private collection. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Artemis Gallery, dated 21 February 2017.

Asclepius was the Graeco-Roman god of medicine, healing, prophecy and a son of Apollo and Coronis. He had two daughters with Epione, the goddess of soothing- Hygeia (goddess of health) and Panacea (goddess of healing). As a child, Asclepius was given to the centaur Chiron, who raised him in the ways of the healing arts. During his training, Asclepius healed a snake, which in turn granted him secret knowledge. Asclepius became such a proficient healer that he discovered a way to resurrect the dead, for which Zeus had him killed, in order to maintain the balance of life on Earth, placing him on the night sky under the constellation of the Ophiuchus (the snake holder).

A mould-blown glass flask formed as two addorsed heads with a flaring cylindrical neck and mouth; both heads with very similar detailing to the hair and face; restored. 41 grams, 99 mm high



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

A fragment of a carved limestone scene depicting a seated musician wearing a toga virilis draped to his shoulder and tucked at the waist, hanging over his bent knee supporting a lyre or cithara with seven strings. 1.98 kg, 17 cm



Ex Ingrid McAlpine, 1939-2018, London and Epsom, UK.