Roman Bronze Ring with Lion

Carved in the half-round on a sapphire crystal showing striations on the reverse, depicting the upper body of Serapis 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.

Detailed bust of a man with his curly hair secured by tainia with the ends hanging behind his neck, aquiline nose and prominent chin, tryphe still visible. 0.75 grams, 17 mm



Formerly in a private collection of an European lady, 1970s-1980s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13306-257801

The cameo represents a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It could represent Agrippa, the son-in-law and victorious admiral of Augustus, who was appointed Augustus’ successor through a symbolic gift of a ring. It may alternatively represent Drusus Maior, Augustus’ stepson and another potential successor.

An oval intaglio showing a hand with summum bonum: cornucopia and poppy ear, set in a later ring with granulation; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.37 grams, 23.00 mm overall, 16.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Acquired on the European art market.