Roman Gold Ring with Sardonyx Gemstone

A key composed of a D-section handle and integral loop, decorated with hatched geometric motifs, notched rectangular-section stem and rectangular bit with six teeth; chain composed of nine links. 18.8 grams, 22 cm

Fine condition.

Acquired Munich, Germany, late 1990s. Property of an East London gentleman.

A colossal architectural limestone head of the goddess Diana (Greek Artemis) with elegant features, sensual lips and deep eyes; detailed treatment of the hairstyle in transverse braids across the brow, laurel wreath with two rows of leaves resting above the forehead; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 72 cm high including stand



Ex private Belgian collection. with Madame Andree Mace collection. English private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Prof. Neritan Ceka. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11625-199748.

The upper part of the head, cut horizontally, creates a semi-circular surface, on which the rest of the hair, or an architectonic capital, may have been mounted. A T-shaped indentation on that surface served to secure that attachment. The back of the head, cut perpendicularly, proves that the head was made to repose on an architectural surface. The fragmentary preservation of the neck does not allow a clear determination, whether we are dealing with the head of a caryatid, i.e. the head of a sculpture in the function of a pilaster, or whether the colossal head was an architectural stone corbel, i.e. an architectural element that was placed for the support of the sima of a building of great size.

A hollow-formed gold finger ring with facetted shoulders, inset cabochon intaglio of Eros (Cupid) in flight. 3.22 grams, 24.20 mm overall, 16.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.