Roman Glass Mars Gradivus Gemstone in Gold Ring

2ND CENTURY A.D.

7/8 in. (5.75 grams, 22.89 mm overall, 18.13 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)).

Vibrant red intaglio featuring the god of war striding left, carrying a spear with one hand and the other holding a trophy resting upon his shoulder; the reverse of the intaglio engraved with the word ‘ADYNAIE’, probably the name of the original owner; set in a modern gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression.

Provenance

Acquired on the European art market.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13336-257953.

Literature

Cf. a similar burnt agate intaglio in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession no.65.627; another example in the Paoletti Collection, ‘La Collezione Paoletti, Stampi in vetro per impronte de intagli e cammei’, p.97, fig.299.

Footnotes

The moniker 'Mars Gradivus' is often translated as 'Marching Mars' from the Latin 'gradus' meaning step or march.

CONDITION

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 0344