Loading, please wait...
LOT 0830
Roman Iron Ring with Gryllos Gemstone
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (9.06 grams, 27.29 mm overall, 20.24 x 16.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)).
Substantial D-section hoop set with a red jasper intaglio with a gryllos motif; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an old English collection, Camden, London, UK.
LiteratureCf. Boardman, J., Classical Phoenician Scarabs: A Catalogue and Study, Oxford, 2003, cat. no. 37/18 Tharros pl. 59e (BM ANE 133440), London no. 407, for a similarly-themed motif of a facing bearded head, with an African head to one side over a boar forepart; Boardman, J., 'Greek Gem Engravers, Their Subjects and Style' in Ancient Art in Seals: Essays by Pierre Amiet, Nimet Özgüç, and John Boardman, edited and introduced by Porada, E., Princeton, 1980, 113-114, for discussion.
FootnotesGrylli motifs usually combine various human and animal heads, sometimes including animal legs.
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 Glass Sprinkler Vessel with Applied Fish
Circa 4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Piriform body raised on nine small feet at the base, collar to the conical neck and chamfered rim; to the lower neck a disc with narrow central opening; to the outer face of the body, vertically pinched flanges. 107 grams, 10.9 cm
From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s. -
Roman Bronze Military Pendant
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Formed as a leaf with lobed scrolls above, looped suspension point with wolf-head detailing; knop finial below. 4.66 grams, 46.6 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Marble Head of Eros, the Greek God of Love
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,000
Carved in the half-round with undercuts to the curly hair, fleshy facial features; attachment ring to reverse. 2.02 kg, 17.5 cm
Acquired on the French art market, 13 November 2022. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13086-249672.
The finely sculpted head represents a young child, probably intended as Eros (Cupid). Such depictions were produced in numerous variations to illustrate the stages of childhood and the capacity of children to undertake meaningful or symbolic actions. The softly modelled features and gentle expression recall the celebrated work of Boethos', The Boy Strangling the Goose, as well as the widespread images of Eros and the Erotes found throughout Graeco-Roman sculpture and painting. In Graeco-Roman art, representations of children occupied an important and evolving role. Initially, youthful figures were portrayed as miniature adults, but from the 4th century BC onwards - particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods - artists began to study children’s anatomy more closely, reproducing their characteristic proportions and expressions with naturalistic sensitivity. The figure of Eros, the constant companion of Aphrodite, became the quintessential model of the child in ancient art, identifiable by his traditional attributes of wings and bow. As evidenced by numerous statuettes and wall paintings unearthed at Pompeii, scenes of childhood were among the most popular subjects for adorning the gardens and interiors of wealthy Roman villas. These figures appear in lively and varied activities - playing, working, performing, or interacting with animals such as birds, hares, and dolphins - celebrating both the charm and vitality of early life within an idealised artistic vision.