Roman Hercules Jasper Intaglio Gemstone

Restrung, composed of graduated stone and glass beads of various types, predominantly in shades of white and cream. 29 grams, 64 cm long

Fine condition.

Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Composed of a broad, flat-section hoop and a rectangular bezel displaying a high-relief bust of a lady in profile right. 6.15 grams, 18.78 mm overall, 16.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)



Acquired in the 1970s. From a deceased lady’s estate, by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202900.

In 2014, a grave of a woman was discovered in Gerulata cemetery III, containing an unusual number of rings. The buried woman, aged 40-49, had two rings on each hand, one of which was a signet ring with a gem depicting the Egyptian deities Serapis and Isis, whose hairstyle and profile are identical to the present ring. Although, the bust of Isis is opposed to Serapis in the rings, the cult of the goddess was widespread inside the provinces already in the 1st century A.D.

Displaying a figural scene in relief showing the Dioscuri, wearing a crested helmet and raising the right arm in salutation; the bust of Sol wearing a radiate crown and the horned bust of moon surmounted by a crescent, border to the perimeter representing two snakes; the inner border with seven six-pointed stars, a large dolphin-like creature swimming to the right, to the left a group of round objects; to the right of the left hand rider, a three-legged offering table with three candle-sticks; between the sun and the moon a standing female deity dressed in peplos and chiton, facing right with her right arm raised in front of her; behind the moon a bird waddling to left; to the right of the left hand rider, a cockerel; beneath the horse’s hooves two prostrate figures lying face down, head to the right and left, the right figure with the left knee bent in supplication; at the centre, between the two horsemen, a standing female deity in long chiton (Helen of Troy); behind the right horse, a standing male figure facing left with his right hand raised in salutation, wearing a knee length tunica, short boots and a heavy cloak; on the lower margin a small prostrate figure with head to the right, limbs extended, a twin-handled wine cup, a standard surmounted by a lamp, a figure hanging head down from a stunted tree and a lion stalking left. 61 grams, 70 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

The plaque contains a complex iconography of divine figures and symbols, probably associated with Thracian or Dacian beliefs of the Lower Danube region, but also with the Greek myth of the divine twins Castor and Pollux (the Dioscuri), an important element of Roman religion since its origins, here mixed with the cult of the Danubian rider. Presiding over the whole scene is usually the Sol Invictus (the unconquered sun-god) and his sister the Moon (Selene).