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LOT 0590
Roman Chalcedony Gemstone with Bacchus
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.64 grams, 12 mm).
Biconvex type with incuse design on the underside of nude Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes and a staff; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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 Orange Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £26
Composed of oblate and annular beads, restrung. 6.7 grams, 39.7 cm
Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private West County, UK, collection. -
Romano-British Bronze Bearded Bust
England, 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled in the round appliqué with short hair and trimmed beard, shoulders tapering 34.1 grams, 33 mm
Found UK. Recorded with UKDFD no.51072. -
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Roman Sapphire Gemstone with Crescent Moon and Star
Third quarter of 1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,980
Cushion-shaped greenish-blue intaglio engraved with a large crescent moon and star. 1.05 grams, 10 mm
Formerly in a private collection of an European lady, 1970s-1980s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13305-257800.
Basaltic sapphires used by the Romans came from surface deposits in northern Ethiopia, which were already known and productive in ancient times. This hypothesis is supported by comments by Pliny the Elder (23–79 A.D.) and Solinus (early 3rd century A.D.), both of whom referred to gems from Ethiopia named ‘hyacintos’, which is generally accepted in archaeology to be the ancient name of sapphire. The moon and stars have been, since the 4th century BC, symbols of the city of Byzantium and were also linked with Spartan military culture.
