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LOT 0156
Roman Nicolo Gemstone with Theseus Holding Sword
3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (1.08 grams, 15 mm).
The oval intaglio with nude youthful Theseus to left, holding a sword in sheath with belt for attachment.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1909, for similar.
FootnotesTheseus was one of the greatest and most popular heroes of Greek mythology and is closely associated with the city-state of Athens. Theseus is also known for many other adventures: however, he is more famous for slaying the Minotaur at the Labyrinth of Crete.
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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LOT 0156
Roman Nicolo Gemstone with Theseus Holding Sword
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Phalera with Medusa
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Ex UK private collection formed from the 1970s. Property of a Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising four flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 68 grams total, 61-71 mm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples. -
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Ex collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.
