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LOT 0105
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Theatre Masks
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (2.51 grams, 22.02 mm).
Polished to an oval shape, engraved with eight theatre masks in two rows; one row with three tragic masks in profile, one depicting a satyr, and a tragic mask of an old man shown frontally; the opposing row with a tragic mask of an old man in profile, a Bacchus mask, a mask of a bearded man wearing a cap shown in three-quarter view, and a mask of a young hero facing the centre.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a late London, UK, gentleman, 1980s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12033-214124.
Cf. Pirzio Biroli Stefanelli, L., L'Oro dei Romani, gioielli di eta' Imperiale, Roma, 1992, figs.15,110, for identical masks on cameos of the 1st century A.D.
FootnotesThe masks represented seem to be relevant to the typologies of the 'new comedy', an image that appears on cameos and gems since the Augustan era.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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