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LOT 0182
Roman Gold Ring with Green Cabochon
3RD-6TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (4.69 grams, 22.63 mm overall, 16.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)).
The hoop recessed and decorated with a simple plait formed with three separate rods; granulated pyramids beneath the square bezel framed with a pelletted band, raised setting with a green glass cabochon. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection USA.
From the Alexander Gallery, New York, USA, in the early 2000s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12106-214327.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 276, for type.
FootnotesPreviously these rings were generally dated later, however, according to Chadour, the shape is more typical of the 2nd-3rd century A.D. The gem however can also be of later date, because the use of the emerald was more typical of the late empire. The decoration of the shoulders with the plait reminisces Celto-Roman patterns.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Life-Size Roman Marble Lower Torso
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £20,000 - 30,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £9,850
Modelled in the round in cream-coloured marble; the hips and right leg of a slender male standing beside a column with the lower part of an animal at the base; the figure modelled with narrow hips and waist in contrapposto stance, genitals removed, muscular leg with slender ankle; adjacent column with remains of a branch or spur at the top, developing to a flared base with a crouching hare or rabbit; mounted on a custom-made stand. 101.4 kg total, 99 cm including stand
Ex Paris collection. French gallery, Paris, 1990-2000s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12088-213904.
Despite the loss, the semi-circular rise that separated the ribcage from the abdomen highlights the muscles of a young athlete or a hero. The statue could represent many male heroes or deities (Reinach, 1897, p.210 no.2, 817 no.4), but, by comparison with a similar sculpture in the Brussels Museum, it could refer to a rare image of the handsome and ferocious hunter Hippolytus, son of Theseus and the Amazon Antiope, killed by the curse of his father due to Phaedra’s deception. The presence of the small hare or rabbit at the base of the column could confirm the hypothesis of a hunter hero, and finds its parallel with the small animals (gecko and panther) visible on the Brussels sculpture. -
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With onion-knop finials, herringbone detailing to the bow, ring-and-dot motifs and chamfered sections to the foot, hinged pin to the reverse. 52 grams, 84 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Large Gallo-Roman Bronze Statuette of Cupid
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
Modelled in the round leaping and winged, his right hand reaching above his head seemingly gesturing to retrieve arrows from a quiver once carried on his back, dressed in an exomis tunic leaving him naked below the torso, wearing a helmet or cap and ankle boots. 403 grams, 16 cm high
Acquired in Europe before 1994. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11808-206795.
Often the statues of puttos or amorini (small loves) depicting personifications of Eros were covered with gold leaf. This was a frequent practice and the figures, when represented with wings, were known as chrysopteroi, meaning 'with golden wings'.
