Roman Bronze Lunar Pendant

Ellipsoid glass cloison with incuse image of two gryphons attacking a deer; set in a later silver ring. 18.57 grams, 30.95 mm overall, 22.99 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

The subject of griffins attacking a deer has a long history and remained popular during the Hellenistic and Roman period throughout the Mediterranean area and beyond. It may be a symbol of the inevitability of death.

With facetted angled shoulders, small plaque with inset carnelian intaglio of a dolphin with raised tail. 3.15 grams, 24.52 mm overall, 18.01 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.

Modelled naturalistically in the round, directing his gaze upwards left, the eyes with sculpted pupils originally decorated with stone insertions, his face framed by voluminous short curls swept up off the forehead, sideburns and a moustache. 5.6 kg, 21 cm

Two neck creases, but in general good condition.

Ex Mario Fumasoli (1901-1989) collection, Switzerland, acquired between 1940-1970; thence by descent. with Christie's London, 24th October 2013, lot 92. Private Swiss collection since 1998. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. 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 search certificate number no.11583-198975.

The head was possibly from a relief representing barbarian prisoners of war, perhaps part of a monument commemorating the campaigns of Marcus Aurelius along the lower Danube, recorded on his famous column in Piazza Colonna, Rome.