Roman Agate Gemstone with Nereid

Slipper-shaped type with hatching to the shoulder, ribbed nozzle, rectangular handle with raised cruciform motif, underside with cross-in-circle motif and inked '397' legend. 185 grams, 12.5 cm



Ex important German collection, 1970s onwards.

Ellipsoid in plan with an engraved scene of a cockerel copulating with a hen, inscription above. 0.62 grams, 14 mm



Property of a European gentleman, acquired from the estate of a London collector (formed before 2000).

In ancient Rome, a cockerel, Latin gallus, was a symbol of virility and fertility. But gallus (plural galli) was also the term for a religious devotee and later for a priest of Cybele (Magna Mater). Often eunuchs, they performed ecstatic dances and rituals, sometimes even engaging in sexual acts as part of their religious practices. In Rome, the head of the Cybele priests was the archigallus, chosen by the quindecimviri sacris faciundis. Reliefs show that the archigallus was wearing luxurious and extravagant costumes and jewellery. This unique gemstone can be attributed to such an archigallus. The cult of Cybele/Magna Mater and the presence of galli also spread to Roman Britain, where it is attested, e.g. in Catterick and Corbridge.

Depicting a bird with folded wings and a fan-shaped tail, a springed pin, and a catchplate on the reverse. 12.6 grams, 40 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.