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LOT 0171
Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Centaur
LATE 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (4.51 grams, 26.50 mm overall, 23.05 x 12.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)).
With broad openwork shoulders and applied filigree scrolls, granulations flanking the cell with an inset facetted octagonal carnelian intaglio with an advancing centaur with a syrinx; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 209, 215, for type.
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LOT 0171
Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Centaur
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
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Roman Sapphire Cameo with Bust of Serapis Later Converted to Saint John the Evangelist
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D., reworked 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Bids: 3 | Current Bid: £700
Carved in the half-round on a sapphire crystal showing striations on the reverse, depicting the upper body of Serapis/St John with modius and pleated tunic, eagle with spread wings placed on the chest. 5.06 grams, 23 mm
Acquired circa 1980. Property of a Middlesex gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13351-255640.
This is a prime example of late antique or early medieval spolia, where a pagan motif was converted into a Christian one with minimal mental or manual adaptation into a visual fusion of Serapis and Saint John. During the Roman Empire, especially in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, depictions of the 'bust of the God Serapis standing on an eagle' were extremely popular. The eagle symbolised Jupiter-Serapis, as well as Roman power. When the Empire became Christian, this combination was immediately recognised as the Evangelist John, accompanied by his symbol, the eagle. The modius (kalathos) symbolised fertility and dominion over the underworld when placed on Serapis's head. However, it was often incorrectly (or deliberately) interpreted by Christian observers as an early form of a crown, halo, or priestly headdress. As sapphire is extremely difficult to work with, the modius was often left standing, emphasising the figure's imperial or divine dignity. There are documented cases of this kind. Most famous example: 'Gem of Serapis' (Cab. Méd., Paris), or the reinterpretation of depictions of Jupiter as God the Father. During the Christianisation process, pagan gods with beards and eagles (Jupiter/Serapis) were reclassified as John the Evangelist or Christ himself en masse. -
Romano-Celtic Bronze Swan-Necked Bow Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Comprising a deep bow with a raised ridge, an integral catchplate extending to a curving swan-neck, the head with detailed eyes and a ribbed raised band at the junction of the head and beak. 32.6 grams, 65 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Roman Bronze and Ceramic Artefact Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £40 - 60 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £10
Including spoon-bowl with baluster, vessel foot with impressed 'ROTT[..]IM' stamp and other items. 50 grams total, 43-72 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A5, A14, A30, A41 & A98.
