Roman Red Jasper Gemstone of Diana of Ephesus

With rounded body and small lateral wings, broad fanned tail with radiating lines and ring-and-dt motifs; mounted on a custom-made stand. 60.7 grams total, 75 mm including stand



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.

The peacock had a dual symbolism in the Graeco-Roman world. In the pagan world it was the symbol of the goddess Hera (Roman Juno) and represented her beauty and immortality. In the Roman-Christian world it became a symbol of the resurrection of Christ, owing to its yearly moult and regrowth of its spectacular feathers.

Tongue-shaped with central repoussé motif of Hercules standing nude on a plinth supporting his club and with lionskin mantle draped over his bent forearm; rectangular frame surrounding; traces of similar frames to both sides; six holes for attachment. 30 grams, 99 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

The panel has clearly been cut from a larger sheet of silver which was stamped with figures low-relief figures: to the left of Hercules is a frame with fronds at the top and the bent arms of a figure wearing a palla.

With a lozenge-shaped body decorated with a ring-and-dot lug to each corner, suspension loops to each side of two of the lugs; tiered face embellished with small millefiori floral motifs on a royal blue background surrounding a lighter coloured central disc; pin lugs and partial pin to the reverse. 10 grams, 48 mm



Acquired in Switzerland, 1995. Private collection, Europe.