Roman Garnet Cameo of Eros

Rectangular panel of decorative mosaic tesserae comprising: wave pattern border in cream and graduated blue-grey tesserae with darker outer edge; inner border of graduated maroon and dark blue-grey tesserae; central field with two inner rows of four and two outer rows of five parakeets in various standing and perching poses, each formed from blue and green glass tesserae with white, crimson and other detailing to the eye, beak and chest; embedded in a sturdy steel-framed matrix of traditional mid 20th century type. 2.12 x 2.05 m



with Leon Simard, 1960s, Montreal, Canada. Archaeologia Gallery, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12966-244460.

The design of repeated birds against a neutral field is similar to patterns found on Late Roman and Sassanian textiles of roughly the same date, especially silk and wool textiles woven on more mechanised looms. Birds of all varieties appear frequently in floor mosaics and other arts of the Roman period; however, beribboned birds are rare.

Ellipsoid in plan with intaglio profile female bust. 0.41 grams, 9 mm



From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1970s onwards. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Based on similarities with coins and sculptures, the gemstone could date to the Late Hellenistic or Early Roman period. These similarities can be seen in the strongly marked lines of the dress, the pronounced shape of the mouth, and the squareness of the nose.

Restrung designer necklace string of oblate and other types with irregular annular pendant centrepiece. 9.15 grams, 38.5 cm



London, UK, collection, 2000s.