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LOT 0157
Roman Chalcedony Gemstone with Muse Euterpes
1ST CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (0.77 grams, 14 mm).
The muse standing on a baseline with her head in profile, resting her left arm on a cithara, carrying a laurel branch in her extended right hand, the weight of the body resting on the right leg.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. similar images of Apollo in Behemerid, A.G., ‘La coleccion Cluniense de Gliptica’, in BSAA arqueologia, LXXI, 2005, pp.185-208, pl.I, no.6.
FootnotesThe muse is Euterpe, the muse of music as well as lyrical poetry. The motif can be related to numerous representations of Apollo, in which he appears leaning on a column on which the lyre or tripod is placed. It is a serial representation, based on statuary prototypes, which were widely copied by Hellenistic-Roman artisans, where the figure of Apollo, here, is transformed in that of the muse of music.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0157
Roman Chalcedony Gemstone with Muse Euterpes
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Amphora
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With carinated profile to the shoulder and tapering neck, two riveted strap handles. 169 grams, 13 cm
Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s. -
Roman Gold and Garnet Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
The gold circular setting inlaid with a polished garnet cabochon, suspension loop above and decorative knop below. 0.18 grams, 8 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Large Roman Bronze Mythical Cockerel-Headed Snake
4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
The upper body, neck and head of a mythical basilisk, modelled in the round with the body of a serpent and head of a cockerel, the body with a tapering round-section profile, stylised detailing to the head. 260 grams, 88 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
The basilisk was a Graeco-Roman mythical two-legged dragon or serpent-like creature with a cock's head. It had the reputed ability to kill people by either looking at them, touching them, or sometimes breathing on them. According to legend a basilisk would die instantly upon hearing a rooster crow or looking at itself in a mirror.
