Roman Mars Standing Gemstone

Square-section with stepped base, gussetted collar and two parallel bars to the upper face; inscribed 'DEAE.MINERV[AE] / LVCIVS.PLAC[IDUS] / VITELLI.FIL[IVS].V[OTUM] / S[OLVIT].L[IBENS].M[ERITO]' (to the goddess Minerva, Lucius Plac[idus] son of Vitellius, discharges the vow freely, as is deserved); the inscription highlighted in crimson. 5.3 kg, 21.2 cm high



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.

Votive inscriptions follow a set pattern, since they were dedicated to a god or goddess to thank them for something they had done in response to a prayer. The person dedicating the stone would have previously promised to do this if the god answered their prayer. The formulation V.S.L.M. (votum solvit libens [or libenter] merito = in willing fulfilment of a vow) is attested for example at Bath, or on the Arae of the Hadrian's Wall.

The upper body draped with an upper part of an exomis, twisted on the shoulder and falling softly on the back; the right breast still visible, as well as the attachment portion of the neck. 7.95 kg, 23 cm wide



Acquired by the current owner in Munich, Germany, 1990s. English private collection.

The way in which the exomis is twisted on the left shoulder and the presence of the exposed right breast could indicate that the original statue was that of an Amazon, with particular reference to the Amazon from the Albertoni collection in Rome, which has now disappeared.

With tapering shoulders, inset ellipsoid carnelian intaglio of Mars advancing wearing a Corinthian helmet, carrying a spear and dolabra over one shoulder. 8.06 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 13.64x16.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)



European art market.