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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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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 and Later Bronze Artefact Group
3rd-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising various figures and mounts including: a sheep, a fly, a peacock, an anthropomorphic head, a mount with a lying feline and a crouching figure. 94 grams total, 18-40 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
In the art of late antiquity and early Christianity, during the Christian Middle Ages to the present, peacock held a prominent place, not only as a decorative motif, but also as a distinctive emblematic and symbolic sign. Its image was usually combined with a kantharos or a tree of life. Individually or in pairs, it was usually represented on places which were the ones closest to the holiest part of churches (altar’s parapet wall panels). Votive statuettes were brought in the church by the believers. -
Roman Gilt Bronze Early Christian Pendant
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Displaying a raised chi-rho motif to one face; pierced for suspension. 1.43 grams, 17 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Burnt Carnelian Gemstone with Mars and Minerva
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £444
The oval intaglio with Mars Ultor and Minerva facing each other; Mars to the left with a spear in raised left hand, armed with helmet, armour and sword, his right hand resting on the shield beside him; Minerva to the right, wearing a helmet, shield and aegis. 0.87 grams, 14 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Mars Ultor and Minerva were both linked with Roman war imagery. Mars represented military power, the strength of the army and violence in battle, Minerva strategy, tactics and intelligence in war. All these qualities were complementary and necessary to win the war. The gemstone was probably a gift for a soldier.
