Roman Carnelian Victory Gemstone

Hollow-formed plaque with gusseted bale, obverse with irregular cell enclosing a sardonyx disc with reserved figure of Fortuna Redux with cornucopia and rudder. 8.47 grams, 37 mm



From a private collection formed in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, gallery.

Standing with its left foreleg raised, the head held high and turned slightly left with a full, fleshy dewlap cascading to the brisket; the tail looping over the rump, with its end adhering to the left flank; wide-open eyes and flaring nostrils; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 106 grams, 72 mm wide (207 grams total, 91 mm high including stand)



Acquired from Charles Ede Ltd., London, UK, in 2004. From the collection of a South West London, UK, collector.

After the Roman annexation of Egypt, Egyptian cults such as that of the Apis bull were syncretised, becoming part of a distinctively Egyptian form of Roman polytheism. Representations of prancing Apis bulls, turned either left or right, have been found throughout the Roman empire. Various parallels can be found in the Cincinnati Art Museum (inv.1956.13), in Walters Art Gallery (inv.54.1565) and in the British Museum.

With intaglio standing Fortuna with cornucopia and flowers, amphora at her feet; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.2 grams, 16 mm



From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.