Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0649
Roman Gold Ring with Portrait Gemstone
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (0.95 grams, 18.52 mm overall, 15.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)).
Comprising a slender hoop and rectangular bezel, inset intaglio engraved with a male profile bust.
Provenance
Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Signet Ring with Horse
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Broad plaque with incuse image of a horse with walking attendant, objects in the field. 7.30 grams, 24.71 mm overall, 19.11 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Hardstone Hand Amulet
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
An amuletic arm with hand in the fica gesture, bulb and loop above. 2.49 grams, 35 mm
with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.
Small amulets of hands were commonly included in bracelets. They served not only as decorative pieces but also as symbols of protection for the limbs and extremities of their wearers. Some believed these amulets could even confer abilities such as increased dexterity or heightened creativity. -
Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Standing nude with winged petasos to the head, in contrapposto pose; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 66 grams total, 85 mm including stand
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.
Mercury was the god of trade and industry, whose principle shrine in the city of Rome was at the Circus Maximus. Equated with the Greek Hermes he became the god of tradesmen and merchants. He was also the god of thieves and was associated with healing, mainly in Gaul, where he had a number of important temples connected to sacred springs, This statuette was probably a votive offering to one of this temples.