Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Roman Gold Ring with Sphinx")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Gold Ring with Sphinx")
.jpg "Roman Gold Ring with Sphinx")
LOT 0108
Roman Gold Ring with Sphinx
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.78 grams, 24.45 mm overall, 15.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)).
Hollow-formed shank with carinated profile, inset garnet cabochon with winged sphinx standing on a baseline.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 192, 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:
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.
-
Roman Bronze Silenus Statuette
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Bust and torso of Silenus in dramatic pose with right hand raised, wreath of leaves to the hair and garland of grapes and vine leaves to the chest; lower body developing to a scrolled foliage mount with lateral rosettes; mounted on a custom-made stand. 319 grams total, 13.5 cm including stand
with Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 8 April 1997, no.102. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The figure represents either Silenus himself, the aged and semi-bestial companion of Dionysus, or a satyr - a member of the feral group of which he was the leader. As a devotee of Dionysus, Silenus is often shown with Bacchantes, female celebrants in the cult of wine-drinking, music and other pleasurable pursuits. -
Late Roman Iridescent Blue Bracelet
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Round-section bangle with iridescent surface. 7.34 grams, 53 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
.jpg)
Large Roman Bronze Chariot Fitting with Imago Clipeata of a Priest of Mithras
Late 3rd-early 4th century A.D.Estimate: £25,000 - 35,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £12,500
Representing a facing bust of a mature man with his head turned slightly to the right; short hair and a full, neatly trimmed beard, furrowed brow and strong eyebrows, deep-set eyes with heavy eyelids, eyes marked with pupils; dressed in a short-sleeved tunic draped around the neck and wearing a conical cap, holding an egg in his left hand; pierced through the surrounding roundel; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.8 kg total, 24.5 cm including stand
J.J. Klejman, New York, 1963. with Gallery Six, New York, 1991. with Christie's, New York, 11 December 2014, no.156 ($50,000-$70,000). Private collection, London. 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 number no.12361-226874.
In the Mithraic cult the egg is a symbol of eternal time, and associated with the birth of god Mithras. The cult of Mithras, the god of the legions, whose symbol was the Sol Invictus, was popular during the 3rd century and in Tetrarchic Age. The chariot which this fitting adorned possibly wouldn't have been used in war, but in triumphal and religious processions, or simply for transport of priests.
