Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0101
Roman Gemstone with Victory Coronation Scene with Hebrew Script
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (2.11 grams, 20 mm).
A bifacial oval-shaped carnelian gemstone with bevelled edge, the obverse engraved with a scene composed of multiple figures standing on a ground line, crescent moon between two stars above, from left possibly the god Helios (or Serapis) being crowned by Victory, the central standing figure of Isis holding a cornucopia, fronted by an eagle holding a wreath in its beak, crowned by another winged Victory; partial inscription below; reverse bearing five lines of later inscribed text, in Hebrew script; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
Provenance
Acquired 1970-1999.
Property of a late London Mayfair gentleman, by descent.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
VETTING:
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 0101
Roman Gemstone with Victory Coronation Scene with Hebrew Script
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Enamelled Bronze Equal-Arm Brooch
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising a wide flat-section bow with a raised enamelled grid to the top, notched edges, stylised beast head foot to each side; hinged pin and pierced catchplate to the reverse. 28.7 grams, 63 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Silver Swan-Necked Ligula Spoon
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
With shallow bowl, knop finial at each end of the square-section shank. 10.5 grams, 14.2 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Late Roman Votive Lead Mirror Inscribed 'For the woman who loves her husband'
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Comprising a discoid plate with running scroll border, lentoid-section handle with raised teardrop decoration; applied central reflective disc with Greek inscription to the reverse: 'τῆς φιλάνδρου πάντα' translating to 'For the woman who loves her husband'; with original reflective glass in situ. 35 grams, 10.3 cm
Acquired from Brigantia, York, UK, circa 2010. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Many examples of this category from the Danube region were found in female graves, where they perhaps served as grave goods considered appropriate for their connection with general issues of fertility, good fortune, and beauty, or even as protective amulets. The inscriptions found on votive lead mirrors in Pannonia, published by Németh & Szabó, show female characteristics, and the beautiful female soul as an addressee. Since lead mirror frames have been found in this Roman province only in graves of women, it is probable that these miniature mirrors, filled with glass in their central hole, were expected to serve as ritual or magical tools to assist the souls of dead women in the afterlife.
