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_900x900.jpg "Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Vulcan")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Vulcan")
.jpg "Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Vulcan")
LOT 0075
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Vulcan
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (0.25 grams, 10 mm).
Depicting a nude blacksmith seated on a stool before a forge, hammer in his right hand, holding an object he is hammering with the other hand.
ProvenancePrivate collection, North Germany.
with Gorny & Mosch, 14 December 2005, no.238.
Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00075379.
Cf. an intaglio with a kneeling Hephaestus (late 4th-1st century B.C.) in brown and white agate at the Walters Art Museum, accession no.42462, for the type.
FootnotesProbably a Roman copy of a Hellenistic subject. Some Roman ring intaglios were dedicated to Vulcan (Greek Hephaestus), god of the blacksmiths, artisans, and carpenters. Usually, the god is represented standing or working in his forge, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a one-shouldered tunic, identifying him as a craftsman. In his right hand, he holds a hammer over an anvil, and in his left a pair of long metalworking tongs. Sometimes he is naked, seated and working.
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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Roman Gold Ring with Onyx Nubian Bust Cameo
3rd century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,250
With granules flanking an ellipsoid cell containing an onyx cameo facing bust of a Nubian with dressed hair executed in the half-round. 7.53 grams, 28.75 mm overall, 20.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22).
Acquired 1970-1990. Ex property of a deceased lady. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12954-246353. -
Roman Glass Candlestick Unguentarium
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a low conical body and slightly convex wall, dimple base; tall cylindrical neck flaring to mouth with inward-folded rim; slightly iridescent surface. 58 grams, 17.5 cm
From an important London collection of glass, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This kind of toilet bottle was called ‘candlestick unguentarium’ by the academics due to the shape of its neck. They are especially found in Roman Egypt (Karanis class XIII.A.I.). -
Roman Gemstone with Minerva
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Plano-convex in section with incuse image of Minerva standing with one hand extended, holding her spear and shield. 1.18 grams, 17 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
