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LOT 0203
Roman Gold Ring with Serapis Gemstone
1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.15 grams, 26.98 mm overall, 13.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British D, USA 1 3/4, Europe 1.15, Japan 1)).
Hollow-formed with inset carnelian gemstone engraved with a profile bust of Serapis above a perching eagle flanked by fronds, possibly a marriage.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
Ex private American collection; thence by descent.
Private Swiss collection since 1998.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 142, for type.
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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Roman Censer Intaglio Gemstone
Circa late 1st century B.C.- early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £325
With frond, tripod censer, coiled serpent and other objects; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.86 grams, 15 mm
From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London. -
Roman Marble Bust of a Kouros
Circa 1st century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,750
Carved in the half-round as a bust of a kouros youth with soft features and tiered hair hanging in hanks to the sides of the clean-shaven face; flat to the reverse. 4.1 kg, 22 cm high
Ex Paris collection. French gallery, Paris, 1990-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11959-209638. -
Roman Terracotta Figurine of Eros
Circa 1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Represented nude and winged, with detailed head crowned by dressed locks and a low petasos, the face beautifully modelled with delicate features; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 49 grams total, 11.5 cm including stand
Fine brown clay, grey core.
Ex P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.
These figurines were often deposited inside the graves of children. In Thessaloniki, a winged Eros very similar to this was deposited in a grave. From the small size of the skeleton, with a maximum length of 1,10 m, and from the grave offerings, the archaeologists deduced that it belonged to a boy who was accompanied by his beloved and necessary possessions, but also by those providing escort and entertainment beyond this world. Unguentaria were placed on either side of the femoral bones, two on one and a single one on the other, two strigils along the eastern side of the grave near the head, a coin on the chest, and several terracotta figurines near the north-eastern corner near the head, while a handle-less bowl was placed very close to the face.