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LOT 0869
Roman Gemstone Collection
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 1/2 in. (2.9 grams total, 9-13 mm).
Including profile bust, advancing lion, two fish and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. [6]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Kaić, I., ‘Engraved gems as part of the Augustan Propaganda. Some examples from Croatia’ in Milićević Bradač, M., Demicheli, D., The century of the brave, Roman conquest and indigenous resistance in Illyricum during the time of Augustus and his heirs, proceedings of the international conference Zagreb, 22-26,9,2014, Zagreb, 2018, figs.5,8, for similar.
FootnotesOne of the rings, representing a seahorse with a trident swimming beside a dolphin, could be connected with the Legio X Fretensis, whose symbol was Neptune and the dolphin, adopted after the battle of Actium.
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:
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LOT 0869
Roman Gemstone Collection
Estimate £350 - 450€410 - 520 (for guidance only)$470 - 610 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Figure of Hercules Holding Club and Skyphos
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Depicted nude in a contrapposto stance with the weight on his left leg, holding a club in the crook of his left hand with a lion-skin draped over the arm, and a cup in his right hand. 115 grams, 86 mm
Acquired in the 1980s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12615-234681.
This well-proportioned bronze statuette, perhaps of Gallo-Roman origin, was likely made for a private lararium, the domestic shrine found in many Roman homes. Although provincial in style, it is carefully modelled and has a strong presence. Unlike many similar figures, Hercules is shown here without a beard, and the upper part of the head was probably once covered by a laurel crown. Known to the Greeks as Herakles, Hercules was one of the most admired heroic figures in the Roman world, celebrated for his strength, endurance, and ability to overcome immense challenges. His famous Twelve Labours made him a lasting symbol of perseverance and triumph, and small bronze figures such as this would have brought not only mythological meaning into the home, but also a sense of protection, resilience, and personal devotion. -
Large High Status Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Rosette
Early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Deep, circular body with volute scrolls flanking the nozzle, concentric circles around the concave discus with radiating petals; maker's mark cross on base. 99 grams, 11.5 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet with reference no.A27. -
Roman Iridescent Green Glass Flask
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With flattened discoid body, pinched tubular neck with everted rolled rim with applied trail below, iridescent surface. 27.3 grams, 98 mm
Ex London, UK, art market 1990s.
