Roman Bronze Ring with Dolphin

Comprising the bust of Antinous or Bacchus (Greek Dionysus); the head modelled in the round, hair with voluminous waves, semi-naturalistic facial features, muscular neck and chest, two loops at the sides for the handle, silver inlaid eyes restored with black glass pupils. 300 grams, 10 cm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an EU collection before 2020.

The balsamarium (ointment or balsam container), is a modern term reflecting the Roman use of relatively small vessels as containers for aromatic oils, or storing and dispensing cosmetic liquids and/or scented powdered substances. These vessels were produced in the first three centuries of the Roman Empire in a variety of forms, including busts and animal shapes. The present balsamarium testifies to the power of imperial imagery and its dissemination across the empire, as the vessel portrays Antinous, Emperor Hadrian's ‘favourite’, whose untimely death in a boating accident led to his deification. The general facial characteristics of our figure are consistent with the stylistic portrait features of late antiquity and the personal features of Antinous, here appearing with large almond-shaped eyes, set into slightly upturned, incised pupils.

With low-relief eye and tail detailing, cells filled with enamel and roundels in contrasting colour; remains of pun-lug and catch to the reverse. 5.31 grams, 30.69 mm



Found Southern England. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

With a ledge to the base, carved high-relief mask of Medusa with complex banded hairstyle with diadem to the brow, lateral tresses framing the face developing to serpents forming a 'Hercules knot' beneath the chin; the face with deep-set eyes beneath a heavy brow, prominent nose above pursed lip; the base keyed to accept a plaster overlay; mounted on a custom-made stand. 33.1 kg total, 53 cm including stand



Ex P.A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.