Roman and Other Black Glass Bead Necklace String

Original albumen print of a toga-clad figure among architectural ruins; 'Giovane con toga nel cortile della Casa degli Archi' (IX 7,20) Pompei by Wilhelm von Gloeden; stamped to reverse W.von Gloeden Taormina, Sicilia (deposé)' and 'W.von Gloeden Tarmina (Sicilia) / Proprieta Artistica'. 5.2 grams, 15.6 x 11.7 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Harwich, UK, collector.

Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden was known for photographic images of Italian youths posed as classical figures, often nude in a classical landscape or setting. At the outbreak of World War I he left Italy; Mussolini's fascists destroyed many of his images and glass negatives as obscene.

Discoid in plan with high-relief mask of Cupid (Greek Eros). 0.42 grams, 8 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

The finely engraved head on the cameo represents a young child, probably intended as Eros (Cupid). Such depictions were produced in numerous variations to illustrate the stages of childhood and the capacity of children to undertake meaningful or symbolic actions.The high relief type appears to have been especially popular and was probably derived from metalwork, like the plaster medallion from Begram, Afghanistan.

Stylised figure of a horse in a dynamic pose with elongated body and legs, set on a rectangular footed base; likely a marriage. 35.5 grams, 52 mm



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