Roman Agate Gemstone with Bird

Rectangular in plan with recessed panels to the lower edge, central bust of the deceased boy in a tondo supported by two nude horizontal putti with their legs extended towards a short column; deep undercuts to the columns and recess; later inscription in seriffed capitals 'DM / Q LOLLIVS / LOLLIANVS / VIXIT ANNIS VI / MENSES.V. DIES .XVIII.' 40.1 kg, 38 x 61.5 cm



From the private Netherlands collection of Mr Edward P. Van Dijk (1942-2024); his collection formed since the 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13243-251959.

The inscription reports the usual dedication to the deceased, in this case a young boy six years of age: 'To the manes (spirits of the dead), Q(uintus) Lollius Lollianus, he lived 6 years, 5 months and 18 days'.

Square in plan with rounded shoulder and trumpet-shaped mouth; folded strap handle. 303 grams, 20.6 cm



Collection F. Martens Netherlands, 1980s-1990s. Anonymous sale, Cahn International Auction, Basel, Switzerland, 2010. Private collection, Europe.

Glass blowing was first used in the early 1st century B.C. and became widespread in the 1st century A.D. It simplified and increased the production of glass vessels, reducing their cost and transforming them into a general commodity. In the 1st century A.D., colourful glass vessels were still popular, while glass with a natural, light green colour, such as this, gained popularity in the subsequent centuries.

Comprising a curving body, the finial formed as a stylised animal head with pointed ears and spiralled horns, large eyes and a narrow muzzle. 10.3 grams, 37.4 mm



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