Roman Glass Bead Necklace String

The goddess modelled nude in contrapposto stance; the right hand extended to hold a patera (absent); the hair dressed in a chignon with diadem and two lateral twisted locks; loops to the ears for attachment of separate earrings; eyes modelled oversize to accept silver appliqués; mounted on a custom-made stand. 249 grams total, 14.5cm including stand



Found by Nigel Mills, Thames, UK. From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

In this type of sculptures of the goddess, the deity appears diademed, entirely naked, her hair curled behind a chignon from which braids fall to her shoulders. In her left hand, missing here, the goddess usually carried a fruit, flanked by a marine figure wrapped around a pole.

With broad body, elongated nozzle and lug handle to rear; shoulder with rosette, tree and leaf motifs, discus with running boar between two fish; North African workmanship; repaired. 175 grams, 14 cm



Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly red and brown detailing; some with impression of timber laths to the reverse. 1.01 kg total, 3.8-12.6 cm



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

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seems 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.