Roman Red Jasper Gemstone with Zeus Serapis Allegory

Red jasper intaglio engraved with nude Hercules draped in lion's skin, holding antlers of a reclining hind; set into a later substantial gold ring with carinated hoop and enigmatic italic inscription to the inner face with date 1922. 24.05 grams, 29.85 mm overall, 22.95 x 22.30mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2, USA 13 1/4, Europe 31.31, Japan 30)



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.13171-249502.

The third labour of Hercules was to capture the Ceryneian hind, a swift, golden-antlered animal sacred to the goddess Artemis (Diana), required to bring it alive to the court of King Eurystheus. He accomplished the task after a year-long chase, when he wounded the hind's legs with an arrow near the Ladon River. He explained the situation to Artemis, and after he showed the hind to the king, the animal was released back into nature.

Discoid in plan with stub heart-shaped nozzle, loop handle with ribbing to outer face, shoulder with low-relief wreath detailing, discus with stag running right; ropework bands to underside of nozzle, base marked off with two circular grooves, impressed 'C' to centre. 81 grams, 10.3 cm



From a Scottish gentleman’s collection, Glasgow, formed from the early 2000s.

Tabular in form with 1 and 6 impressed points on the broad faces; other numbers to the narrow edges. 9.82 grams, 12 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.