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LOT 0779
Roman and Other Glass and Stone Bead Group
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER
1/8 - 1/2 in. (58.5 grams total, 1-14 mm).
Comprising a quantity of mixed beads, mainly oblate and cylindrical in form, including glass, modelled, faience and stone etc. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK gallery, early 2000s.
LiteratureCf. Croom, A.T., Amber beads in Roman Britain, 2018, fig.1 nos.11,13,15.
FootnotesThe use of amber beads as amulets in the Roman world is well attested, even in Britain (series of bracelets have been found in late Roman graves at Cirencester and Colchester). The amber beads were associated with pierced coins, pierced dog’s teeth and a lunate pendant. Pliny said that amber was beneficial to infants ‘when attached to the body in the form of an amulet'.
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Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Frontal Bust
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With brown slip, loop handle to the rear, the discus with a facing bust of a young woman within a concentric circle border; maker's mark 'LCΛPΓ' within tabula ansata-shaped stamp. 63 grams, 10.2 cm
Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.
The discus decorations of these lamps are various: Diana, Dioscuri, Sol and Luna, Africa, Lares, and griffin; portraits of Domitian, Hadrian, male head, bust of a young man, bust of a young woman (our specimen), bust of a bearded old man, fisherman, and an aulete; scorpion, boar, and lion with crocodile; etc. They were an African production and not less than seven worskshops have been individuated: M N O V I V, M N O V I V S T (our case) , M N O V I V S T I , I V N I A L E X I, C C O R V R S , E X F N A / LV C C E I O R V M . Here we can add LCAPIT (Lucius Capito). -
Roman Silver Trumpet Whorl Brooch
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Fine openwork casting of La Tène trumpets and scrolls with catch to the reverse. 10.5 grams, 38 mm
Ex London collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Roman Gold Ring with Apollo Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,100
With a solid ellipsoid hoop expanding at the shoulders from the mid 3rd century, with oval bezel set with a blue nicolo gemstone engraved with the figure of standing crowned god Apollo, depicted nude and holding a staff (or lyre?) in his raised right hand, gazing towards his raised left hand. 4.49 grams, 26.13 mm overall, 21.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
From the private collection of the late A.B., London, UK; acquired before 1989. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12005-213036.
The god’s body is depicted in three-quarter view, whereas the head is in full profile. The casual posture of the figure on the gemstone is taken from the common iconography of the god. Apollo is frequently portrayed in this fashion, although often leaning against a small column.
