Roman 'British' Ring Gemstone with Portrait

With deep spherical body supported on a round stand; incised with a band around the inner surface and concentric circles on the outer body; two looped high handles, one with stipple engraved monogram on the upper side. 156 grams, 14 cm wide



Ex Mansees collection, formed 1950s-early 1990s. From a large American collection formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1995. From a European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11627-197618.

Ribbed loop handle to the rear, discus with a nude bust of a young woman, a garment folded over her left shoulder; the base with maker's mark 'MNOVIVSI', for M. Novius Iustus. 67 grams, 10.7 cm



Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.

The discus decors 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 workshops have been individuated: M N O V I V, M N O V I V S T (our example), 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.

From a relief with hair centre-parted and drawn back from the face, gathered at the nape in a chignon; rounded face with soft features, drilled eyes and nostrils; mounted on a custom-made stand. 523 grams total, 78 mm high (12.7 cm high including stand)



London art market, 2000s. Property of a London gentleman.