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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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Late Roman Bronze Ring with Warrior
280-400 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Comprising a D-section hoop with notched shoulders, a raised circular bezel with a stylised warrior. 5.19 grams, 20.44 mm overall, 15.11 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The small copper alloy Roman finger ring seems to be of Guiraud Type 4f (similar to Henig Type II) and dates from the 3rd to early 5th century A.D. The size of the ring suggests it may have been worn on the end of the finger, but most probably used by a child. -
Roman Silver Phalera with Face of Eros, the Greek God of Love
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Discoid in plan with running scrolled tendrils to the outer edge, central mask with curly hair and fleshy features. 27.1 grams, 74 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Roman Bronze Hand-Standing Acrobat
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
A statuette of an acrobat on a round, drum-shaped base, standing on his hands, body arching slightly and legs together; wearing a loin cloth and cap decorated with floral pattern; eyes inlaid with silver. 162 grams, 12 cm high
Ex property of a Surrey collector; acquired in the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13125-249637.
Acrobats in ancient Rome could perform at a number of venues; either in theatres, as 'gap fillers' between gladiatorial contests at the amphitheatre, at private parties or at impromptu street performances and fairs. A convivium was a dinner party with family, friends or associates. It was somewhat like a Greek symposium except that it was generally regarded as a chance to talk business or politics rather than philosophy and weighty matters. A commissatio was a wild drinking party. Prostitutes, jugglers, musicians, acrobats, actors and fire-eaters entertained guests at the banquets of wealthy Romans. From the descriptions given by Roman authors these banquets were lavish affairs with rose petals scattered on the floor, mechanical devices lowering acrobats and entertainers from the ceiling and slaves blew exotic scents into the room. The emperors also had special entertainment barges constructed on some of the ornamental lakes in the parks of Rome where acrobats entertained the guests.
