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LOT 0858
Roman Gemstone of Hercules with Ceryneian Hind in Gold Ring
2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (24.05 grams, 29.85 mm overall, 22.95 x 22.30mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2, USA 13 1/4, Europe 31.31, Japan 30)).
Red jasper intaglio engraved with nude Hercules draped in lion's skin, holding antlers of a reclining hind; set into a later substantial gold ring with carinated hoop and enigmatic italic inscription to the inner face with date 1922.
ProvenancePrivate collection, England.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13171-249502.
For the pose, see National Archaeological Museum of Spain, item 38315BIS; The British Museum, registration number 1805,0703.137.
FootnotesThe third labour of Hercules was to capture the Ceryneian hind, a swift, golden-antlered animal sacred to the goddess Artemis (Diana), required to bring it alive to the court of King Eurystheus. He accomplished the task after a year-long chase, when he wounded the hind's legs with an arrow near the Ladon River. He explained the situation to Artemis, and after he showed the hind to the king, the animal was released back into nature.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0858
Roman Gemstone of Hercules with Ceryneian Hind in Gold Ring
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Roman Marble Head of Eros, the Greek God of Love
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,000
Carved in the half-round with undercuts to the curly hair, fleshy facial features; attachment ring to reverse. 2.02 kg, 17.5 cm
Acquired on the French art market, 13 November 2022. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13086-249672.
The finely sculpted head 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 softly modelled features and gentle expression recall the celebrated work of Boethos', The Boy Strangling the Goose, as well as the widespread images of Eros and the Erotes found throughout Graeco-Roman sculpture and painting. In Graeco-Roman art, representations of children occupied an important and evolving role. Initially, youthful figures were portrayed as miniature adults, but from the 4th century BC onwards - particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods - artists began to study children’s anatomy more closely, reproducing their characteristic proportions and expressions with naturalistic sensitivity. The figure of Eros, the constant companion of Aphrodite, became the quintessential model of the child in ancient art, identifiable by his traditional attributes of wings and bow. As evidenced by numerous statuettes and wall paintings unearthed at Pompeii, scenes of childhood were among the most popular subjects for adorning the gardens and interiors of wealthy Roman villas. These figures appear in lively and varied activities - playing, working, performing, or interacting with animals such as birds, hares, and dolphins - celebrating both the charm and vitality of early life within an idealised artistic vision. -
Roman Iridescent Glass Flask
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Core-formed with a slightly dimpled base, broad shoulder and narrow neck, mouth with a rolled and everted rim. 34 grams, 10 cm
From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s. -
Roman Bronze Statuette Base
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Round in plan, tapered in profile, hollow to the underside. 16 grams, 27 mm
Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman's collection.
