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_900x900.jpg "Renaissance Gold Fob Seal with Carnelian Gemstone of a Herm and Figures")
_200x200.jpg "Renaissance Gold Fob Seal with Carnelian Gemstone of a Herm and Figures")
.jpg "Renaissance Gold Fob Seal with Carnelian Gemstone of a Herm and Figures")
LOT 0373
Renaissance Gold Fob Seal with Carnelian Gemstone of a Herm and Figures
16TH-19TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (6.60 grams, 25 mm).
An oval intaglio finely engraved with a classical scene, at the centre a herm upon a plinth, flanked by two figures: the woman on the left wearing a gown with loose drapery falling across her arms, while the figure to the right is shown nude, the body scarcely veiled by a fine transparent cloth; at the far right a sacrificial altar surmounted by a lyre, introducing a musical or poetic dimension to the scene and emphasising its votive character; mounted in an ornate 18th-century French gold fob mount, pierced with scrolling foliate ornament and stamped with duty marks; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market.
FootnotesThe gem, cut in the 16th century, reflects the Renaissance revival of antique glyptic art, where Roman prototypes were carefully studied and reinterpreted with elegance and precision. The finely executed incision and harmonious arrangement of clothed and unclothed figures highlight the engraver’s technical mastery and antiquarian erudition.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 0373
Renaissance Gold Fob Seal with Carnelian Gemstone of a Herm and Figures
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Renaissance Agate Cameo with Lioness in Gold Ring
Europe, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
An orange agate came depicting a lioness on a baseline with its head lowered, the cameo drilled longitudinally and set in gold ring. 8.19 grams, 24.60 mm overall, 17.03 x 17.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13395-257958. -
Renaissance Agate Cameo of a Woman in Gold Ring
Italy, 16th-17th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Brown oval cameo depicting a profile bust of a veiled young woman with large eyes and a small button nose, set in a ring with a closed-back setting. 10.26 grams, 24.74 mm overall, 18.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13399-257955. -
Carved Printing Block with Mughal Scene
Late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Showing a royal figure on the left, holding the reins of his caparisoned horse, at the centre a yogi beneath an arch with a tree behind and two bovines gazing at him, tufts of long grass in the foreground with multiple faces emerging between the blades; set on a display stand. 258 grams total, 15.1 cm wide including stand
From the collection of David Donlan (1947–2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from the 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.
