Roman Glass Phallic Pendant

The discoid body formed as an openwork monogram ROMA in Latin letters, the M and A ligated, the O formed by the brooch frame itself; ROMA also a palindrome for AMOR. 12.5 grams, 34 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

When viewed from the default side, RMA + the circle of the brooch form a monogram for ‘Roma’. Roma refers to both the city and its divine personification, the Dea Roma. When RMA is read from right to left (or the brooch is viewed from the opposite side), the letters form a monogram for ‘AMOR’, the Latin name for Cupid, the god of love. The phrase pertains to Roma-Amor, a widely recognised palindrome espousing Roman wordplay in the ancient times.

Comprising a pierced lug handle and short nozzle; shoulder with band of radiating feathers, discus with Minerva standing facing wearing a cuirass and holding spear and shield; concentric rings and scrolls to underside. 85 grams, 10.3 cm



with Münzen und Medaillen AG, Basel, Switzerland, 1974. Swiss private collection. Mr F. collection, Los Angeles, acquired in 2005. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Sharply curving wide handle with a rectangular stamp of an amphora with Greek inscription to both sides. 127 grams, 78 mm



with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.