Loading, please wait...
LOT 0016
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Two Cows
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.35 grams, 13 mm).
Ellipsoid type with intaglio of a reclining cow with its head turned to the right, facing, another one standing behind in profile; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenancePrivate English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
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.
-
Large Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Ritual Scene
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Dense figural scene comprising: left, three seated figures in profile, each with spear or staff in one hand and a raised sword in the other; resting hound below the seats, scorpion above; baseline with two arrows in exergue; standing figure advancing, holding an axe above a smaller figure crouching in submission; quiver and bow to the right; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 6.65 grams, 29 mm
with Hotel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, 2019. Private collection, England.
The presentation has many of the qualities of an initiation ritual with a group elders sitting in witness and an officiant testing the courage of the initiand. -
Roman Gold Earring Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Each a slender wire hoop with a spiral knot and the ends wound round the shank. 1.70 grams total, 15-17mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Gemstone Collection
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £380 - 480 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £210
Mixed group including a standing female, a perching bird and others; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.66 grams total, 7-16 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Two of the gemstones in this collection show cockerels. The motif of fighting or individual cockerels was very popular in the classical world, and individual cockerels (the animal often associated with gods, such as Mercury or Sol/Helios) were also often depicted in a standing position. Another gemstone appears to represent a nude figure of Dionysos/Bacchus draped in a long cloak, and another shows Helios with a radiate crown.
