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LOT 0123
Roman Haematite Magical Gemstone
2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.84 grams, 24 mm).
Ellipsoid in plan with chamfered rim to obverse with womb with key and roots; above womb the figures of Isis, Anubis, Chnoubis, and Nephthys (from left to right); reverse with facing Medusa mask with wings to the brow below a coiled snake, spiders and other items.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of magical objects of the late Mr A. Cotton, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12354-225280.
Cf. similar item in Gordon, R., 'Archaeologies of Magical Gems' in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, pp.39-49, pl.5; see also BM inv.no.EA56076, for similar gemstone.
FootnotesDuring the Graeco-Roman period, the traditional genres of Egyptian or Near Eastern temple magic gems, particularly protective magic against demons, snakes and scorpions, seemed largely to have disappeared, and new genres became dominant, for different types of divination (direct visions of god, bowl divination, dream sending, Homer oracles), malign magic, aggressive (mainly erotic) magic, magic for personal success and attractiveness. This type of amulet was intended to aid childbirth and avoid illness and dangers for its attendant.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0123
Roman Haematite Magical Gemstone
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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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. -
Roman Bronze Cavalryman Statuette with Paenula
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Modelled in the round in seated pose with both hands extended forwards to hold reins; the body covered by an open-fronted paenula riding cape; boots to the feet; mounted on a custom-made stand. 271 grams, 10.1 cm including stand
Found in Britain. 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.
The statuette, like the one from Rouen published by Mackintosh, represents a link between the Romano-British and Gallo-British figurines of the cavalrymen and Imperial statuary. They are of relatively good workmanship and represents a rider seated on a walking horse. The rider is dressed in a short-sleeved tunic and the military paenula, echoing the representation of Marcus Aurelius on his horse. The raised arm could mean that he was wearing a spear. -
Roman Bronze Lion-Headed Casket Mount
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Domed stud with radiating fur detailing to the mane, thick attachment pin to reverse. 5.62 grams, 18 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.
