Loading, please wait...

Large Roman Fragmentary Cameo with Face Large Roman Fragmentary Cameo with Face Large Roman Fragmentary Cameo with Face
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0766

Large Roman Fragmentary Cameo with Face

3RD CENTURY A.D.

2 1/8 in. (95 grams, 55 mm).

Carved in high-relief in (likely) agate; sympathetically mounted on a naturalistic base; chipped; mounted by the late Alison Barker in her own inimitable style.

Provenance

Acquired 1960s-1990s.
Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Literature

Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1924,0514.2, for a similar style of face.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0766

Large Roman Fragmentary Cameo with Face

Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Roman Thames Decorated Samian Ware Pottery Collection
    Roman 'Thames' Decorated Samian Ware Pottery Collection
    Circa 2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £91

    Mainly from rims and bodies of vessels; most displaying a design in relief, including architectural elements, scrolling foliage and a maker's stamp. 440 grams total, 3-10.5 cm



    Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Silver Cochlear Spoon Inscribed May You Live in God
    Roman Silver Cochlear Spoon Inscribed 'May You Live in God'
    Circa 4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £715

    Composed of a decoratively twisted slender stem with onion knop finial and roughly D-shaped neck formed as the arched neck of a horse, the restored oval bowl bearing a Latin inscription '[V]IVASINDEO' to the interior, the underside gently carinated. 13.5 grams, 13.4 cm



    Ex Garcia collection, France, 1990s-2000s.

    According to the British Museum, the inscription corresponds to the phrase 'Vivas in deo', meaning 'May you live in God'. This inscription was common in the Roman Empire and especially in Roman Britain after the advent of Christianity. A small Roman silver disc, thought to have been part of a signet ring, dated to 4th-5th century and found near Swaffham, is inscribed 'Antonius, may you live in God (Antoni, vivas in Deo)'. It is highly possible that our spoon, if a liturgical object, was used to administer Holy Communion.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Bronze Goddess Statuette Heads
    Roman Bronze Goddess Statuette Heads
    Circa 1st-3rd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £312

    Comprising: a female with hair held in a chignon at the nape; figure with hair dressed in short wavy tufts, large eyes with exaggerated eyelashes. 71 grams total, 23-25 mm



    Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

    Bronze statuettes representing Roman gods and goddesses were widespread all around the empire, and are also known as far as archaeological sites of Jutland and the islands. The two heads represent probably tutela divinities of the home, like Vesta and Juno (Greek Hera).

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list