Loading, please wait...
LOT 0818
Roman Black Onyx Gemstone with Oxen
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (0.62 grams, 11 mm).
Engraved with two bulls lying side by side, one with the head in profile, the other facing, tree to the field.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
See Richter, G.M.A., Catalogue of engraved gems of the classical style, New York, 1920, for similar late Minoan iconography; for identical Roman iconography see Furtwängler, A., Die antiken Gemmen: Geschichte der Steinschneidekunst im Klassischen Altertum, Leipzig and Berlin, 1900, fig.2, pl. XLV.
FootnotesThe iconography of two bulls derives already from Achaean models, like the black onyx example in the Metropolitan Museum (Richter, 1920, pl.2,no.3). The model was inherited by the classical world, and inherited from the Greeks by the Romans (Furtwängler mentions gemstones in carnelian, nos.5547-5548-5549 at the Berlin Museum).
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0818
Roman Black Onyx Gemstone with Oxen
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Bronze Artefact Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Mainly comprising fragmentary artefacts including brooches; rings; mounts and other miscellaneous items, including items displaying enamelled and other decorative techniques. 232 grams total, 13-48 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. -
Roman Silver Head of a Panther
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Modelled with naturalistic detailing, open mouth with large fangs, wide-eyes with pointed ears; angled recess to reverse for attachment. 5.3 grams, 16 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Carnelian Gemstone with Bust of Zeus
Roman, 2nd century A.D. or laterEstimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
The oval intaglio engraved with a bearded head of Zeus or an emperor in profile, bearded, a laurel crown laced behind the neck. 0.68 grams, 15 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Zeus, the main god of the Graeco-Roman pantheon, typically has his hair radiating outwards, forming a corona of individual strands. The 2nd century emperor Hadrian was the first bearded Roman emperor, a fashion continued by his successors, creating a representation in connection with the image of the King of the Olympians.
