Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Roman Garnet Cameo of Eros the Greek God of Love")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Garnet Cameo of Eros the Greek God of Love")
.jpg "Roman Garnet Cameo of Eros the Greek God of Love")
LOT 0098
Roman Garnet Cameo of Eros the Greek God of Love
1ST CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
3/8 in. (0.42 grams, 8 mm).
Discoid in plan with a high-relief plastic head of Cupid (Greek Eros).
ProvenancePrivate English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
Cf. Spier, J., Ancient Gems and finger Rings, catalogue of the collections, the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 1992, nos.228-229, for gemstones with a similar head of Eros.
FootnotesThe finely engraved head on the cameo represents a young child, probably intended as Eros (Cupid). Such depictions were produced in numerous variations to illustrate the stages of childhood and the capacity of children to undertake meaningful or symbolic actions. The high relief type appears to have been especially popular and was probably derived from metalwork, like the plaster medallion from Begram, Afghanistan.
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.
LOT 0098
Roman Garnet Cameo of Eros the Greek God of Love
Estimate £700 - 900€810 - 1,040 (for guidance only)$950 - 1,220 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£350 (EUR 406; USD 473) +BP*
-
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 36.2 grams total, 13-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Glass Vessel with Iridescence
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Squat body with a short trumpet-shaped neck with rolled rim, applied openwork gallery encircling the neck. 59.8 grams, 73 mm wide
From an important London, UK, collection 1980-2020.
Such jars, with applied trails, are commonly found in the Near East and Egypt. One trail was wound once horizontally around the undercurve of the mouth; another was applied in a large pad to shoulder and then formed into wavy zigzag patterns. -
Romano-Celtic Bronze Statuette of the God Apollo
2nd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Depicted nude and wearing a quiver on his back, the strap for the quiver indicated by stamped roundels, detailing on the abdomen. 29.7 grams, 66 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
