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LOT 0096
Roman Carnelian Bust of Mercury Gemstone
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.27 grams, 18 mm).
Ellipsoid gemstone with chamfered rim, incuse profile bust of Mercury with wreath in his hair and star to the rear of the neck.
ProvenanceFrom an old UK collection, 1980s.
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:
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Roman Bronze Ring with Dolphin
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
With broad shoulders and ellipsoid bezel, intaglio dolphin and 'XA' enigmatic inscription. 4.35 grams, 23.65 mm overall, 18.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Figure of Dionysus Child with Silver Inlays
1st century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Modelled in the round, a male infant with arms and right leg extended, left leg bent and raised; head looking downwards, with applied silver scales imitating a wreath; sturdy mounting peg to the reverse. 70.1 grams, 61 mm
Acquired on the German art market, 2002. European private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12053-211904.
The model appears to form part of a figural group. -
Roman Bronze Jupiter Dolichenus Statuette
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
Modelled in the round standing wearing a crested helmet, muscle-cuirass with tunic beneath, short pteruges and greaves; left hand raised to hold a spear, right hand with gladius resting on the forearm. 36 grams, 62 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The cult of Jupiter Dolichenus was a variant of worship of Zeus from Asia Minor whose mystery cult was widespread in the Roman Empire from the early 2nd to mid-3rd centuries A.D., especially in the military. The god is usually represented mounting a bull, with the double axe (labrys or bipennis) in his right raised hand, and dressed in the military attire of a Roman general.