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LOT 0090
Roman Gold Ring with Kneeling Soldier Gemstone
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (4.73 grams, 17.88 mm overall, 15.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)).
With flared shoulders and ellipsoid cell, inset carnelian intaglio warrior kneeling on a baseline, Pseudo-Corinthian-style helmet pushed back on the head, spear held in one hand the other touching his ankle.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market in the 1990s.
UK collection of a European gentleman.
Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 187, for type.
FootnotesThe type is defined from Ruseva-Slokoska as Eastern Influence, widespread in the 2nd-3rd centuries A.D. The scene possibly alludes to the incident in the Trojan Cycle where Achilles is wounded by an arrow in his heel, the only portion of his body which was not impervious to injury.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Standing nude in contrapposto stance with winged petasos over his neat hair; left hand modelled open to accept a patera, right hand holding the marsupium coin-purse; free-running bronze arm-ring; mounted on a custom-made stand. 123 grams total, 10.8 cm including stand
Identified as Roman by the British Museum on 8th January 1996. 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. -
Large Gallo-Roman Bronze Statuette of Cupid
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,667
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'.