Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0685

Roman Carnelian Intaglio 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.

Provenance

Private collection, North Germany.
with Gorny & Mosch, 14 December 2005, no.238.

Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00075379.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Literature

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.

Footnotes

Probably a Roman copy of 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.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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.

LOT 0685

Roman Carnelian Intaglio with Vulcan

Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Roman Silver Ring with Clasped Hands Gemstone
    Roman Silver Ring with Clasped Hands Gemstone
    3rd-4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £72

    Flat-section hoop with scrolls to the shoulders, cell with inset white stone cloison with clasped-hands motif. 2.24 grams, 20.50 mm overall, 17.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)



    Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Enamelled Bronze Plate Brooch Group
    Roman Enamelled Bronze Plate Brooch Group
    2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £52

    Comprising: discoid type with central trumpet-shaped stud, enamelled cells, pin and catch to reverse; conical type with carinated rim, central stud, triangular cells for enamel inlay. 20.45 grams total, 27-34 mm



    Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Yellow Glass Bead Necklace String
    Roman Yellow Glass Bead Necklace String
    1st-4th century A.D. and later

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £98

    Restrung group of tabular, biconical, drum-shaped and other beads. 12.3 grams, 34 cm



    Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list