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LOT 0120
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fortuna
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (1.33 grams, 16 mm).
The oval intaglio depicting the goddess standing, facing right, dressed in peplos, holding a steering-oar and cornucopia.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1749.
FootnotesFortuna was the Roman equivalent of the Greek Tyche, and was the goddess of fate, chance and luck. The cornucopia symbolises the abundance of good luck that people hoped for in worshipping her and the rudder symbolises her steering the destiny of people. In the city of Rome, she had a temple in the Forum Boarium. The goddess had many aspects such as Fortuna Augusta, the luck of the emperor and the Imperial family, Fortuna Publica, the luck of the people, and Fortuna Obsequens, indulgent fortune, amongst many others.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0120
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fortuna
Estimate £700 - 900€810 - 1,040 (for guidance only)$950 - 1,220 (for guidance only)
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Roman Nicolo Gemstone with Theseus Holding Sword
3rd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £444
The oval intaglio with nude youthful Theseus to left, holding a sword in sheath with belt for attachment. 1.08 grams, 15 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Theseus was one of the greatest and most popular heroes of Greek mythology and is closely associated with the city-state of Athens. Theseus is also known for many other adventures: however, he is more famous for slaying the Minotaur at the Labyrinth of Crete. -
Large Eastern Roman Bronze Bust-Shaped Steelyard Weight
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Modelled in the round as a facing female with head turned slightly right, with semi-naturalistic facial detailing and dressed hair; lead-filled. 4.2 kg, 13.5 cm high
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Steelyard weights in the form of human or deities faces were not uncommon in the Roman period (see SWYOR-DA4426, OXON-4391B5, HAMP-BD4D67 and NARC-7A7B81 on the PAS). These were generally filled with lead and had iron or copper suspension loops projecting from the top of the head. -
Roman Iridescent Glass Pyxis
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Formed as a cylindrical body with flanged foot to base, straight rim, lid absent. 42.7 grams, 52 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
