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LOT 2146
Renaissance Polished Imperial Porphyry Pestle with Rare Xenolith
ITALIAN, 17TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
7 1/2 in. (1.23 kg, 19.2 cm).
Modelled as round-section tubular body, shaft with rounded top; rare xenolith to the handle.
ProvenanceAcquired from a dealer in Kensington Church Street, London, UK, in 2000.
From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2146
Renaissance Polished Imperial Porphyry Pestle with Rare Xenolith
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
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Post-Classical Blue Glass Cameo of a Man
19th cetnury A.D. or earlierEstimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Discoid in plan with facing bust with tousled hair. 0.64 grams, 12 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. -
Renaissance Carnelian Intaglio of the Roman Emperor Nero in Gold Ring
Italy, 16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,755
With narrow shank and fleur-de-lys to each shoulder supporting an ellipsoid cell with inset carnelian intaglio profile bust of Nero with solar crown; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.64 grams, 22.23 mm overall, 20.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.
Nero, who reigned as Roman Emperor from 54 to 68 AD, is one of history’s most infamous rulers, known for his extravagant lifestyle, ruthless rule, and controversial actions. Born as Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, he was adopted by his great-uncle, Emperor Claudius, and ascended the throne at the age of 16, initially under the guidance of his mother, Agrippina the Younger, his tutor Seneca, and the Praetorian Prefect Burrus. Early in his reign, Nero promoted arts and cultural projects and enjoyed popularity, but as he gained autonomy, he became increasingly tyrannical. He allegedly ordered the deaths of his mother, wife, and other prominent figures. Nero is often (though likely inaccurately) associated with the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, after which he blamed and persecuted Christians, marking one of the earliest recorded persecutions of the group. His reign ended in turmoil and revolt, leading to his suicide in 68 AD, which marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. His legacy remains controversial, remembered as both a patron of the arts and an archetype of a decadent, cruel autocrat. -
Post Medieval Agate Cameo of a Classical Muse in Gold Mount
Italy, 18th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Gold cell with suspension loop, inset banded agate panel with reserved female profile bust with hair in a chignon. 7.8 grams, 38 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.
