Roman Black Gemstone with Erotic Scene

Matched pair, each comprising a tubular shank with hook-and-eye closure, free-running dangle with pearl bead and granule cluster below. 3.94 grams total, 50 mm each



Private collection, 1990s-early 2000s. with Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 14 December 2010, no.160. Accompanied by copies of the Gorny and Mosch catalogue pages.

Finely engraved Roman carnelian intaglio showing nude winged Amor in front of a pillar with his weapons, helmet, shield, and spear, putting on a shin guard, standing before an altar, set in a later gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.55 grams, 21.09 mm overall, 18.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13323-258009.

This particular iconography shows the god of love arming himself, standing in front of an altar surmounted by a helmet, and with a hoplon shield at its bottom. He is putting a greave on his right leg, and a spear occupies the central part of the scene. Figuratively, Amor is maybe represented arming himself for a 'love deed'. But the scene can be referred to the battle against the Titans, to which all the Olympian gods took part.

Discoid with a grapevine decoration around the rim, two large scrolls flanking the ribbed handle. 32.5 grams, 90 mm



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