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LOT 0788
Large Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Ritual Scene
3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (6.65 grams, 29 mm).
Dense figural scene comprising: left, three seated figures in profile, each with spear or staff in one hand and a raised sword in the other; resting hound below the seats, scorpion above; baseline with two arrows in exergue; standing figure advancing, holding an axe above a smaller figure crouching in submission; quiver and bow to the right; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
Provenancewith Hotel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 2019.
Private collection, England.
The presentation has many of the qualities of an initiation ritual with a group elders sitting in witness and an officiant testing the courage of the initiand.
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AUCTIONS:
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Opening Bid: £600
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