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LOT 0860
Roman Bronze Double Axe Plate Brooch
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (12.5 grams, 38 mm).
With two pelta-shaped axes and a raised central bar, pin and catchplate on the reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Romano-British Votive Miniature Axehead
England, 1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
With curved blade stepped at the socket and short shaft beneath. 4.19 grams, 23 mm
Found Slipton, Northamptonshire, UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.36185. -
Roman Garnet Gemstone with Youthful Portrait
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Plano-convex type with incuse design of a profile portrait bust of a youthful male; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.43 grams, 8 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
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Roman Sapphire Cameo with Bust of Serapis Later Converted to Saint John the Evangelist
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D., reworked 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
Carved in the half-round on a sapphire crystal showing striations on the reverse, depicting the upper body of Serapis/St John with modius and pleated tunic, eagle with spread wings placed on the chest. 5.06 grams, 23 mm
Acquired circa 1980. Property of a Middlesex gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13351-255640.
This is a prime example of late antique or early medieval spolia, where a pagan motif was converted into a Christian one with minimal mental or manual adaptation into a visual fusion of Serapis and Saint John. During the Roman Empire, especially in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, depictions of the 'bust of the God Serapis standing on an eagle' were extremely popular. The eagle symbolised Jupiter-Serapis, as well as Roman power. When the Empire became Christian, this combination was immediately recognised as the Evangelist John, accompanied by his symbol, the eagle. The modius (kalathos) symbolised fertility and dominion over the underworld when placed on Serapis's head. However, it was often incorrectly (or deliberately) interpreted by Christian observers as an early form of a crown, halo, or priestly headdress. As sapphire is extremely difficult to work with, the modius was often left standing, emphasising the figure's imperial or divine dignity. There are documented cases of this kind. Most famous example: 'Gem of Serapis' (Cab. Méd., Paris), or the reinterpretation of depictions of Jupiter as God the Father. During the Christianisation process, pagan gods with beards and eagles (Jupiter/Serapis) were reclassified as John the Evangelist or Christ himself en masse.
