Loading, please wait...
LOT 0145
Roman Emerald Gemstone with Portrait of Young Nero
51-55 A.D.
5/8 in. (2.17 grams, 17 mm).
Depicting Nero as a young boy, either as crown prince or within the first year of his reign in his first known portrait type, unequivocal with his long hair fringe.
ProvenanceEx Paul Munro Walker collection, Bournemouth, UK, 1970s.
Private collection of Alexander Cotton, Hampshire, UK, sold October 1986.
From a London gentleman's, UK, collection, in the 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12104-216215.
For the bust type cf. denarius of Nero and Agrippina dating to 55 AD; Roman Silver Coins: RSC 4, Roman Imperial Coins: RIC 7, and Roman Coins and their values, Sear 2044.
FootnotesDr Ittai Gradel writes: 'Date is AD 51-55. On most glyptic portraits from shortly after he became emperor, so 54-55, he is shown laurelled ... However, on the coins he is shown also bare-headed even as emperor in 54-55 (second coin, denarius). Again, on coins his bust is shown draped only before he became emperor in 54 (first coin, aureus), but cameos show him draped also as emperor (as e. g. the Marlborough one: but there are several known). It is therefore not possible to say if the emerald shows him as crown prince or as emperor, and I cannot date it more precisely than 51-55.'
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Gold Ring with Portrait Gemstone
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising a slender hoop and rectangular bezel, inset intaglio engraved with a male profile bust. 0.95 grams, 18.52 mm overall, 15.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Terracotta Lamp with Fighting Gladiators
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Composed of a discoid body with sunken discus bearing a scene of two gladiators in combat in relief, tabula ansata below, ring handle and roughly D-shaped nozzle with volutes; old crack to base. 84 grams, 12.4 cm
From a German collection. Ex Cambridge, UK, collection, 1980s.
The two gladiators seem to be wearing the armaturae of murmillones. All gladiators began their career as provocatores; the learning of their combat technique was polyvalent and allowed the fighters to specialise as a large shield-bearer (the scutati) like murmillones, or as a small shield-bearer, parmati, like the oplomachus. -
.jpg)
Roman Honey-Coloured Glass Amphora
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
With broad rounded shoulder tapering to a conical foot, cylindrical neck and everted mouth with rolled rim, applied trail handles and collar; tip restored; supplied with a display stand. 97 grams, 18 cm (220 grams total, 20 cm including stand)
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12108-217865.
