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 Mosaic of a Basket
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Rectangular mosaic fragment depicting a basket with a looped handle inside an octagonal border; part of a larger design; possibly some reconstitution and set in a modern frame and matrix. 19 kg, 69.5 x 59.5 cm including frame
Ex Ancient World, York, Yorkshire, UK. Acquired circa 1995. Property of a London, UK, collector. -
Large Roman Gold Ring with Tyche Gemstone
Mid-late 3rd century A.D. and laterEstimate: £7,000 - 9,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,889
A substantial D-shaped ring with floral decoration, set with a later nicolo intaglio engraved with the figure of Tyche, holding a cornucopia and rudder, wearing a kalathos on her head; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 27.45 grams, 31.67 mm overall, 22.21 x 16.71 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Marcus Hollersberger, Solothurn, 1982. Ex Galerie Schönbrunn, Vienna, 1987. with Christie's, London, 7 December 2022, no.80. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue listing. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12105-217766. -
Roman Mosaic Stone Tesserae Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
A mixed group of two hundred and fifty single tesserae of various colours and sizes, mostly cuboid. 353 grams total, 10-15 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
