Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0118
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Eros Harassing a Bird in a Tree
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.56 grams, 14 mm).
The oval intaglio engraved with nude Eros, holding a fowling-rod, approaching a tree with a bird, a line marking the ground.
Provenance
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Literature
Cf. for similar see British Museum, accession no. 1923.0401.486, in Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.2869.
Footnotes
Doves are a typical attribute of Aphrodite, and real birds were often given to women as love-tokens; this bezel was possibly destined to a ring used for this purpose. At the same time, the presence of Eros was presumably intended to enhance the wearer’s personal allure.
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 0118
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Eros Harassing a Bird in a Tree
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Silver Standing Bull Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £83
Modelled in the round standing facing, displaying anatomical detailing. 15.7 grams, 32 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. -
Roman Bronze Lion Paw Casket Mount Group
Mainly 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Six paws in naturalistic and stylised forms, including examples with support brackets. 163 grams total, 26-51 mm
From an East London collection; previously in a collection formed between 1990-2000. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. -
Roman Bronze Sitting Squirrel Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, sitting upright nibbling a nut. 11.7 grams, 25 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.
