Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Portrait of Hercules

Red jasper intaglio engraved with nude Hercules draped in lion's skin, holding antlers of a reclining hind; set into a later substantial gold ring with carinated hoop and enigmatic italic inscription to the inner face with date 1922. 24.05 grams, 29.85 mm overall, 22.95 x 22.30mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2, USA 13 1/4, Europe 31.31, Japan 30)



Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13171-249502.

The third labour of Hercules was to capture the Ceryneian hind, a swift, golden-antlered animal sacred to the goddess Artemis (Diana), required to bring it alive to the court of King Eurystheus. He accomplished the task after a year-long chase, when he wounded the hind's legs with an arrow near the Ladon River. He explained the situation to Artemis, and after he showed the hind to the king, the animal was released back into nature.

Broad hoop and plaque with jasper bezel, octagonal in section with Greek legend to the upper face 'CTEΦANOY' (belonging to Stephen); supplied with a museum-quality impression. 11.13 grams, 24.93 mm overall, 19.05 x 13.11 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



UK private collection since 1956. Formed in the 1950s by Mr and Mrs S. Broukal, thence by descent. Private collection, England.

With a cameo image of a male antelope jumping right; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.43 grams, 11 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.