Roman Gemstone Collection

1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

1/4 - 5/8 in. (2.66 grams total, 7-16 mm).

Mixed group including a standing female, a perching bird and others; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. [5]

Provenance

From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Literature

Cf. for similar gemstones Hoppal, K., 'Roman engraved gems from Southeast Asia' in Bartus D. (ed.), Dissertationes Archaeologicae ex Instituto Archaeologico Universitatis de Rolando Eotvos nominatae, Ser.3 No.9, Budapest, 2021, figs.1,2; 1,5; 2,2 and 2,5.

Footnotes

Two of the gemstones in this collection show cockerels. The motif of fighting or individual cockerels was very popular in the classical world, and individual cockerels (the animal often associated with gods, such as Mercury or Sol/Helios) were also often depicted in a standing position. Another gemstone appears to represent a nude figure of Dionysus/Bacchus draped in a long cloak, and another shows Helios with a radiate crown.

CONDITION

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LOT 0940