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LOT 0166
Roman Gemstone with Goddess Demeter
2ND CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.40 grams, 18 mm).
On burnt sard or carnelian, the goddess fully draped, seated on a throne without a back and holding out wheat ears in her hand over what seems like a small conical altar with horns.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. Osborne, D., Engraved gems, Signets, Talismans and ornamental intaglios, ancient and modern, New York, 1912, pl.XXIII, no.2, p.362, for similar.
FootnotesCeres was a goddess of agriculture, maternal relationships and fertility, and represents transition, motherhood and nurture. She was also the only one of ancient Rome's agricultural deities to be listed amongst the Dii Consentes, the Roman equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology.
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 0166
Roman Gemstone with Goddess Demeter
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
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Roman Iridescent Glass Beaker
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Translucent with straight sides narrowing to the dimpled base, flared and rolled rim. 37 grams, 87 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Asclepius
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
The oval intaglio engraved with Asclepius standing with head turned to the right, naked upper body, himation draped around his lower body, holding a caduceus with his right hand. 0.69 grams, 12 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Aesclepius (Latin Esculapius) was the god of the health and protector of doctors. The serpent‐wreathed rod is well detailed, a rendition which finds a direct parallel in a carnelian intaglio in Carnuntum, Austria. -
Roman Amber Glass Pilgrim's Flask
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
With tubular neck and everted rim. 107 grams, 15.2 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
'At the moment the cross is brought for veneration .... they offer oil to be blessed in little flasks. When the mouth of one of the flasks touches the Wood of the Cross, the oil instantly bubbles over, and unless it is closed very quickly it all spills out.' (The Piacenza Pilgrim, v. 173, circa 570 AD).
