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LOT 0733
Roman Military Ring with Scorpion Gemstone
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (4.31 grams, 21.20 mm overall, 17.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)).
A bronze finger ring with inset carnelian gemstone, intaglio scorpion. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The ring could have belonged to a praetorian guardsman. The scorpion was one of the main symbols of the praetorian guard since the age of Augustus.
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:
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Roman Animal Brooch Collection
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
A group of five copper-alloy animal brooches, comprising: a peacock with feather and head detailing; leaping hound in profile right; openwork horse standing right, pin lug and pin to reverse; frog with large circular eyes, pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse; lion running right with remaining enamel detailing, pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse. 36 grams total, 34-43 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Military Horse Harness Phalera
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A bronze military horse harness phalera featuring an oval plaque decorated with openwork whorls and volutes, two integral rectangular attachment lugs, free-moving attachment arm with rivet. 63 grams, 12 cm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Marble Head of a Young Woman
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £16,900
A skilfully carved life-size marble head of a female (possibly Artemis, a Muse or an Amazon) with centrally parted hair composed of wavy strands and tied in a ponytail at the back; serene facial expression, almond-shaped eyes and small mouth with slightly parted lips; some restoration; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 14 kg total, 38 cm high including stand
Ex private collection, Monaco, 1960s-1970s. Acquired from the Monaco Fine Arts on 4th November 1992. Private collection of Mr & Mrs Daniel, Monaco. Acquired by the present owner from David Aaron Gallery in 2019. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate number no.11569-197722.
The youthful head seems to be based on the Greek Attic Artemis Colonna type of the 4th century B.C. The composition of the head is powerful with a serene countenance, its physiognomy replete with the idealised quality characteristic of Greek classical sculpture. This classic influence is best seen in the perfect almond- shaped eyes with their sharply carved lids as well as the smooth contour of the face. The rich handling of the coiffure and the smooth quality of the face can suggest a date sometime during the Hadrianic (117 to 138 A.D.) or early Antonine periods.
