Late Roman Gold Amulet Case Pendant

Modelled in the round, Venus standing nude with hands raised to dress her hair; dorsal pillar pierced at shoulder height for suspension. 4.9 grams, 40 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The iconography of Venus Anadyomene was one of the most commonly used images of the goddess in classical sculpture, and was still popular during the late Roman Empire. The best example of this is the Louvre Venus Anadyomene (Ma 3537) of the 4th century A.D., found in the 19th century at Saint George de la Montagne near Bordeaux, inside a rich aristocratic house and coming from Aphrodisias, an ancient place of statuary production for export.

Comprising five pieces in cream, orange, blue and red with painted architectural lines; one with floral decoration and several with border elements. 194 grams total, 51-79 mm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland.

Grey fabric, broad discus with concentric rings and chamfered shoulder, short nozzle flanked by volute scrolls; scene of two murmillo gladiators in combat, one having fallen to the ground; maker's stamp to the underside 'MAR[..]S'; mounted on a custom-made stand. 66 grams, 95 mm (137 grams total, 14.6 cm high including stand)



Ex Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, Germany (1944-2001). with Christie's, Axel Guttmann collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 28 April 2004, no.178 (part). European private collection. Exhibited at Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 3rd February-9th March 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefact on display. Accompanied by a copy of the Christie's online catalogue listing. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Das Spiel mit dem Tod, book pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12049-211932.