Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0140
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Horse and Cavalry Man
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
3/8 in. (0.27 grams, 9 mm).
The rounded intaglio with a horseman, helmetted or wearing a causia, with flying cloak, riding towards left.
Provenance
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Literature
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1010, for similar.
Footnotes
The cap (kausia) was typical of Hellenistic military dress and had been worn by cavalrymen since Alexander’s campaigns of the 4th century BC. The gemstone could represent an Italic cavalrymen, a socius (ally) of the Roman army. Another possibility is that the gemstone follows Etruscan influence, like the example in the British Museum, accession no. 1872,0604.156. The kausia cap had also its metallic counterpart, worn by the Tarentine cavalrymen of the Hellenistic period.
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 0140
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Horse and Cavalry Man
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising four flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 68 grams total, 61-71 mm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples. -
Roman Bronze Amphora
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With carinated profile to the shoulder and tapering neck, two riveted strap handles. 169 grams, 13 cm
Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s. -
Roman Bone Child's Doll
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
The free-standing human figure carved with a long neck and voluminous hairstyle, with a stylised face and suggestions of necklaces; remains of a previously articulate arm held at a right angle to the body, hoop earrings with bead ornament to both ears. 133 grams, 18.5 cm
London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
