Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0122
Roman Inscribed Orange Sardonyx Gemstone with Philosopher Seated Under a Tree
1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (1.01 grams, 13 mm).
The oval stone engraved with an old man (a philosopher?) seated on a stone, wearing a low cap, half naked and with the cloak covering his leg; his right hand resting beside him, and his left hand raised in the act of speaking; a tree behind, inscription in Greek letters 'ψίω' (= eat).
Provenance
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Literature
See similar image of a seated philosopher in Provincia di Venezia, Piccolo mondo antico, la collezione glittica torcellana (Small Ancient World, the glyptic collection from Torcello, in Italian),, Venezia, 2014, p.39.
Footnotes
A particularly recognisable representation in Graeco-Roman art was that of a male character, with a bald head and a slightly pointed beard, seated in profile on a simple seat or on a rock. It represents the philosopher, who often has his hand raised in the gesture of speaking or holds a volume in his hands, characterised according to the rules of cynicism, by the bare torso and the cloak that covers his legs. The inscription refers to the imperative to 'feed' on knowledge.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
LOT 0122
Roman Inscribed Orange Sardonyx Gemstone with Philosopher Seated Under a Tree
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Ring with Armed Warrior
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
The hoop expanded slightly at the shoulders, circular bezel engraved with what is possibly a stylised warrior figure wielding a spear. 2.25 grams, 22.55 mm overall, 19.38 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16/23, Japan 15)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Gallo-Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist. 43 grams, 59 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Hampshire, UK gentleman.
Likely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows. -
Roman Bronze Lion Patera Handle Fitting
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £444
Displaying a naturalistic lion's head projecting from a facetted bar with piercing for attachment; recessed eyes to accept separate inserts. 100 grams, 88 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.