Loading, please wait...
LOT 0165
Roman Burnt Carnelian Gemstone with Mars and Minerva
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.87 grams, 14 mm).
The oval intaglio with Mars Ultor and Minerva facing each other; Mars to the left with a spear in raised left hand, armed with helmet, armour and sword, his right hand resting on the shield beside him; Minerva to the right, wearing a helmet, shield and aegis.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. very similar image of Mars in Platz-Horster, G., ‘Die antiken Gemmen aus Xanten. Teil III: Neufunde, Neuerwerbungen, Nachtrage und Auswertung,’ in Xantener Berichte, Band 15, Grabung-Forschung-Präsentation, Mainz, 2009, pp.129-182, p.155, cat.no.33.
FootnotesMars Ultor and Minerva were both linked with Roman war imagery. Mars represented military power, the strength of the army and violence in battle, Minerva strategy, tactics and intelligence in war. All these qualities were complementary and necessary to win the war. The gemstone was probably a gift for a soldier.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0165
Roman Burnt Carnelian Gemstone with Mars and Minerva
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Black Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1st century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £39
Composed of restrung graduated opaque black glass beads of oblate barrel and irregular types. 21.7 grams, 49 cm long
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Roman Bronze Horse Head Protome
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
Modelled with naturalistic detailing with signs of attachment. 102 grams, 46 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Large Roman Bronze Standing Cockerel Statuette
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Modelled free-standing and in the round with stylised anatomical detailing. 109 grams, 77 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
