Roman Gilt Bronze Ring with Bust of Minerva

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue and white detailing; some with impression of timber laths to the reverse. 601 grams total, 4.5-10.6 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

Original albumen print of a toga-clad figure among architectural ruins; 'Giovane con toga nel cortile della Casa degli Archi' (IX 7,20) Pompei by Wilhelm von Gloeden; stamped to reverse W.von Gloeden Taormina, Sicilia (deposé)' and 'W.von Gloeden Tarmina (Sicilia) / Proprieta Artistica'. 5.2 grams, 15.6 x 11.7 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Harwich, UK, collector.

Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden was known for photographic images of Italian youths posed as classical figures, often nude in a classical landscape or setting. At the outbreak of World War I he left Italy; Mussolini's fascists destroyed many of his images and glass negatives as obscene.

Discoid in plan and domed in profile with facing mask of Medusa and strap above with lateral ribs. 9.8 grams, 30 mm



Found Norfolk, UK.