Roman Gold Ring with Red Glass Cabochon

Depicted nude in a contrapposto stance with the weight on his left leg, holding a club in the crook of his left hand with a lion-skin draped over the arm, and a cup in his right hand. 115 grams, 86 mm



Acquired in the 1980s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12615-234681.

This well-proportioned bronze statuette, perhaps of Gallo-Roman origin, was likely made for a private lararium, the domestic shrine found in many Roman homes. Although provincial in style, it is carefully modelled and has a strong presence. Unlike many similar figures, Hercules is shown here without a beard, and the upper part of the head was probably once covered by a laurel crown. Known to the Greeks as Herakles, Hercules was one of the most admired heroic figures in the Roman world, celebrated for his strength, endurance, and ability to overcome immense challenges. His famous Twelve Labours made him a lasting symbol of perseverance and triumph, and small bronze figures such as this would have brought not only mythological meaning into the home, but also a sense of protection, resilience, and personal devotion.

Bulbous body and rounded underside, long neck, trumpet-shaped mouth with applied rim, applied strap handle with ribbing. 40 grams, 96 mm



Acquired in the 1992. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

Roman glass from the 2nd to 4th century A.D. gives a fascinating insight into everyday life in the Roman Empire. By this time, glassmaking had become highly skilled, and glass vessels were being produced on a much larger scale than before. Thanks to the development of glassblowing, makers were able to create practical as well as attractive objects such as bottles, flasks, jars, and drinking vessels. Much of the glass from this period has a soft blue-green tint, caused by natural elements in the raw materials. Although some pieces were finely decorated, many were made for ordinary daily use, showing how glass had become far more common and accessible across Roman society.

Plano-convex type with incuse image of a horseman on rearing steed, plunging a spear into a coiled serpent; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.43 grams, 10 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

The image is a precursor of the later iconography of military saints killing the dragon.