Roman Glass Amphora

The oval intaglio engraved with a man driving a pair of oxen with plough to left, a detailed tree with branches in the background, ground line under the oxen. 0.38 grams, 10 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

The gem could refer to the Augustan program of restoration of peace and security in the empire, after the agitated period of civil wars, with the possibility for men to return peacefully to their lands in a now peaceful empire. However, we cannot exclude that the image also refers to the well-known episode of Greek mythology, when Odysseus, to escape the call to arms in Troy, feigned madness by ploughing the fields without interruption, until he was unmasked by Palamedes, cousin of Agamemnon, who placed Odysseus' infant son Telemachus in front of the plough, forcing Odysseus to stop and reveal feigned insanity.

Modelled with naturalistic detailing on all fours as if nibbling at food held between the forepaws, curled tail and on a rectagular base. 35.6 grams, 31 mm wide



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

Integral ellipsoid bezel, incised frond motif. 5.65 grams, 21.09 mm overall, 16.79 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.