Roman Bronze Phalera with Medusa

The oval intaglio engraved with a man driving a pair of oxen with plough to left, a detailed tree with branches in the background, ground line under the oxen. 0.38 grams, 10 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

The gem could refer to the Augustan program of restoration of peace and security in the empire, after the agitated period of civil wars, with the possibility for men to return peacefully to their lands in a now peaceful empire. However, we cannot exclude that the image also refers to the well-known episode of Greek mythology, when Odysseus, to escape the call to arms in Troy, feigned madness by ploughing the fields without interruption, until he was unmasked by Palamedes, cousin of Agamemnon, who placed Odysseus' infant son Telemachus in front of the plough, forcing Odysseus to stop and reveal feigned insanity.

Fifty-five in total, most with conical or domed heads and tapering square-section pins. 1.67 kg total, 36-52 mm



From a UK collection before 2000. Acquired from a London, UK, gallery.

Comprising a variety of artefacts including: gilt fittings; coiled stone snake; figural pin finial; token; beads; seals and other miscellaneous items. 544 grams total, 0.3-15 cm



UK gallery, early 2000s.