Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
Provenance
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Literature
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.
Footnotes
Mars 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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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)
RELATED LOTS
-
Large Roman Bronze Mythical Cockerel-Headed Snake
4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
The upper body, neck and head of a mythical basilisk, modelled in the round with the body of a serpent and head of a cockerel, the body with a tapering round-section profile, stylised detailing to the head. 260 grams, 88 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.
The basilisk was a Graeco-Roman mythical two-legged dragon or serpent-like creature with a cock's head. It had the reputed ability to kill people by either looking at them, touching them, or sometimes breathing on them. According to legend a basilisk would die instantly upon hearing a rooster crow or looking at itself in a mirror. -
Roman Period Bronze Ring with Bird
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
The hoop misshapen with gently expanded shoulders and domed oval bezel engraved with a stylised bird standing right. 5.67 grams, 23.03 mm overall, 19.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
From a European Dutch private collection circa 1970s. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity. -
Roman Gold and Garnet Floral Ring
1st century B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Bezel formed as one circular and two piriform gold cells with large granules between and granulation to the rim of each cell; inset garnet cabochons, with later rectangular-section hoop. 2.39 grams, 21.13 mm overall, 16.53 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
