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LOT 0967
Roman Carved Gemstone Collection
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
1/8 - 5/8 in. (2.55 grams total, 7-15 mm).
Comprising: a green glass intaglio; a red garnet carbuncle with a quiver and a bow; an onyx(?) intaglio with a profile bust; a small round intaglio with a lion; a red jasper intaglio with a stylised animal on a baseline. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection assembled 1970s-90s, and thence to the liquidated state of above.
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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LOT 0967
Roman Carved Gemstone Collection
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Roman Rock Crystal Gemstone of an Archigallus
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Ellipsoid in plan with an engraved scene of a cockerel copulating with a hen, inscription above. 0.62 grams, 14 mm
Property of a European gentleman, acquired from the estate of a London collector (formed before 2000).
In ancient Rome, a cockerel, Latin gallus, was a symbol of virility and fertility. But gallus (plural galli) was also the term for a religious devotee and later for a priest of Cybele (Magna Mater). Often eunuchs, they performed ecstatic dances and rituals, sometimes even engaging in sexual acts as part of their religious practices. In Rome, the head of the Cybele priests was the archigallus, chosen by the quindecimviri sacris faciundis. Reliefs show that the archigallus was wearing luxurious and extravagant costumes and jewellery. This unique gemstone can be attributed to such an archigallus. The cult of Cybele/Magna Mater and the presence of galli also spread to Roman Britain, where it is attested, e.g. in Catterick and Corbridge. -
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Roman Bronze Trumpet Brooch with Acanthus on Bow
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Trumpet-shaped headplate with loop above and floral detailing to the bow, herringbone detailing to the shank and foot; part of the chord still present in the headplate. 6.82 grams, 33 mm
Found Gloucestershire, UK. Ex Wiltshire, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Roman Bronze Horse and Rider Statuette
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Modelled in the round, the horse modelled with one leg raised, with detailing to the face and mane; the rider styled in a seated position with a floating cape, detailing to the face, hair and garments. 90 grams total, 51-60 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
