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LOT 0139
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Serapis and Eagle Between Two Military Standards
2ND CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (0.87 grams, 17 mm).
The oval intaglio with bust of Serapis right, above an eagle with wings spread, two military signa to the sides.
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.1273; Sena Chiesa, G., Gemme del Museo Nazionale di Aquileia (Associazione Nazionale per Aquileia), Padova, 1966, nos.39-40; Hornbostel, W., Sarapis, Leiden, 1973, p.222; Zwierlein-Diehl, E., Die antiken Gemmen des Kunsthistorischen Museums in Wien, vol. 2, Munich, 1979, no.1247; Philipp, H., Mira et Magica: Gemmen im Äegyptischen Museum der Staatlichen Museen PreuBischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin-Charlottenburg, Mainz, 1986, nos.57-58.
FootnotesOften the intaglio gemstones were carved with an eagle between two standards. The left standard is topped with a capricorn genius legionis, and the right one with the hand of a signum manipularis. The presence of a capricorn could imply that the gemstone was dedicated to men of the Legio XIIII Martia Victrix.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0139
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Serapis and Eagle Between Two Military Standards
Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
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Roman Redware Sherd with Warriors from the Trojan Cycle
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Displaying an possibly unfinished scene composed of robed warriors or other figures wearing Phrygian caps, wide tunics with segmenta, oriental trousers (anaxyrida) and tugging on a rope; later attachment loop to the reverse. 163 grams, 10.1 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
The scene probably represents an episode of the Trojan cycle, with the Trojans (usually represented in Late Antiquity with a Phrygian cap, wide sleeved tunics and Persian-style trousers) dragging the wooden horse inside the walls of Troy. In the late Roman Empire the Trojan cycle became often the subject of artistic representations, such as the famous Ilias Ambrosiana now preserved in Milan, or the miniatures of the Vergilius Romanus. -
Roman Coin and Limited Edition Framed Print
3rd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £59
The coin mounted on 22 carat gold foil, framed with an art print signed by the artist David McAllister, depicting scenes of Roman military activity; limited edition number 22/1150. 1.3 kg, 36.5 x 49 cm
Essex gallery, early 2000s.
David McAllister's exciting design is a 'one of a kind' work that portrays the might and riches of the Roman civilisation. This limited edition print is a celebration of the award winning artist's lifetime dedication to historical paintings of the ancient world. To enhance appreciation of this rare and historic work, each individual print is signed and numbered by the artist. -
Roman Red Glass and Jasper Bead Collection
1st century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £98
Comprising mostly small round red beads, with a few larger examples and other shapes; all pierced for stringing. 55 grams total, 6-28 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s.
