Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Opposed Busts

With high-relief image depicting a she-wolf in profile advancing beneath a tree, with an infant or boy (Romulus?) on its back, nude and looking up towards the tree. 39 grams, 62 mm

Mostly intact, good condition.

Believed to have been found in Wakefield, UK, in the 1960s. From the Roman 'Invasion Period' private collection of Brian Riley, Wakefield, UK, 1960s-2007. Acquired from Brian Riley, Yorkshire, UK, circa 2007. Property of a Stowmarket, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Military phalerae usually depicted heads of the gods, spirits of the underworld, birds and lions. The higher officers in the Roman army had the custom of wearing a rich suite of phalerae with its straps directly attached to leather garments or doublets, worn over their armour. These decorations were awarded in sets, commonly of nine, although sources confirm that this was not an always the case.

Of Praxitelic type with fillet to the brow, tousled hair and rounded facial features with stern expression. 519 grams, 88 mm



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11632-199025.

The head appears to be a copy of the Praxitelian type known as 'the Pouring Satyr'. The head, realised with sensitivity, but technically and stylistically academic, could be dated to the first half of the 2nd century A.D.

With large loop handle and short shank, knop above the loop. 33.2 grams, 58 mm



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.