Late Roman Bronze Ring with Boat and Monogram

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue and white detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 1.06 kg total, 9.7-15.3 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, by analogy with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting - red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. A red grenade fillet probably framed some panels. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colours over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32.7 grams total, 13-22 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.

Statue fragment of a woman or goddess, including floor-length robe and right foot with sandal; modelled standing with the foot slightly advanced, wearing sandals, chiton and himation. 66.65 kg, 50 cm



American private collection, acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Acquired on the American art market in 2016. with Sotheby's, London, 11 December 2020, no.88. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13078-249667.

Both the stance and folds of the himation suggest an Archaistic statue, perhaps the goddess Isis.