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LOT 0142
Massive Roman Gold Ring with Nicolo Intaglio of an Imperial Eagle
3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (28.30 grams, 35.39 mm overall, 21.58 x 15.31 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)).
Architectural in form with carved scrolls and gadrooning, set with a nicolo intaglio of an eagle, stood upon a ground line with a laurel wreath clutched in its beak.
ProvenanceEnglish private collection, formed in the early 20th century.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13120-248411.
Cf. a similar example set with a banded agate can be found in the collection of the British Museum, registration number: 1917,0501.802, see also 1917,0501.801 and 1917,0501.536.
FootnotesThe eagle was a symbol of imperial power in ancient Rome, representing courage, strength, and immortality. It was also featured on the standard of the Roman legions, carried into battle by the Aquilifer, a highly prestigious position in the Roman army.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0142
Massive Roman Gold Ring with Nicolo Intaglio of an Imperial Eagle
Sold for (Inc. bp): £10,400
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Roman Bone Die
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Cuboid type with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 5.07 grams, 14 mm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Roman Glass Juglet
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £445
Oblate body with dimple base; applied trail to the flared mouth and another at the junction of the neck and shoulder; ribbed applied trail handle with spur to the rim. 90 grams, 15 cm
From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone of the God Serapis
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
Orangey-red intaglio with a concave front and flat back, depicting the three-quarter bust of Serapis; displaying a tightly curled beard, shoulder-length wavy hair with a central parting brushed up from the forehead, wearing the characteristic calathus (woven basket or corn-measure) headgear, symbolising fertility; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.47 grams, 14 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.
Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god combining the Egyptian gods Osiris and Apis, but with a decidedly Greek appearance. He was promoted by Ptolemy I in the 3rd century BC to help unite the Greek and Egyptian people. Later, Ptolemaic rulers spread his worship, and Serapis became popular across the Roman Empire. Outside Egypt, he was often identified as Isis's partner, replacing Osiris. Over time, he also adopted traits associated with the Greek gods, Hades and Dionysus.