Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0949
Roman Gemstone with Minerva
2ND CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (1.18 grams, 17 mm).
Plano-convex in section with incuse image of Minerva standing with one hand extended, holding her spear and shield.
Provenance
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Literature
Cf., Cravinho, G., ‘Roman Gems in the National Soares dos Reis Museum in Oporto,’ in Studies in ancient Art and Civilization, vol.22 (2018), pp.141-179, pls.I, 7-8, gems with Athena Promachos and Minerva.
Footnotes
In Rome, the Athena Promachos type occurs on imperial silver medallions of Domitian (struck in 92 AD), since Minerva was his personal protector. On gems, it became very common from the end of the 1st century BC onwards, even on the magical gemstones.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0949
Roman Gemstone with Minerva
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Ring with Symbols
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Featuring a sturdy D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a letter 'Y' flanked by 'O' with a pellet at the centre. 6.50 grams, 25.40 mm overall, 13.24 x 17.31 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.30, Japan 4)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Hunchback Grotesque Statuette
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Modelled in the round, sitting nude with head turned, arms and legs bent; wearing a brimmed cap with a feather in the crown; the spine and sternum modelled protruding, large, impressed eyes, genitals protruding below the crossed legs. 130 grams, 93 mm
Acquired from Helios Ancient Art, Mayfair, London, UK, circa 1986. From a privately held London, UK, collection from the 1980s-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13276-253965.
Such small bronzes with physical abnormalities and exaggerated features served as entertainment, but also had the function of warding off evil. -
Large Roman Bronze Signet Ring Bezel of Queen Berenike
3rd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Discoid bezel from a finger ring with intaglio profile female bust with hair drawn back in a chignon; possibly based on a design for Queen Berenike. 14 grams, 25 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
