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LOT 0102
Roman Red Variegated Gemstone with Elephant
3RD CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (3.04 grams, 17 mm).
Scaraboid type with incuse design to the underside of an elephant with stars above; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. coin of Caesar showing a similar elephant in Gołyźniak, P., Engraved Gems and Propaganda in the Roman Republic and under Augustus, Oxford, 2020, fig.283.
FootnotesThe Romans first encountered elephants in Pyrrhos' army, and the representation of elephants in Roman art begins from this period. Victorious emperors like Caesar and Vespasian celebrated elephants on their coins. Apart from the celebration of elephants as ‘war machines’, the image of elephants was linked to other aspects in the Roman Imperial Period. Before becoming emperor, Elagabalus was one of the priests of Helios-Sun worship in Emesa. He had elephant depictions on his coins during his reign. The elephants raise their heads to the sun when the sun rises. Thus, the sun is represented on the gemstone together with the elephant.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0102
Roman Red Variegated Gemstone with Elephant
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
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Roman Nicolo Intaglio Depicting a Horse Beneath a Tree in Gold Ring
1st century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Comprising a dark blue layered chalcedony, engraved with the figure of a horse standing beneath a stylised tree, within which perch two birds, mounted in a later gold ring of broad, flat-shouldered form, engraved with floral and scrollwork motifs; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.33 grams, 20.30 mm overall, 17.24 x 16.55 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13366-257910.
Nicolo’s two-tone effect, with its pale upper layer and darker ground, enhances the depth and clarity of the intaglio engraving. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Lion
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
The hoop expanding towards the angled shoulders, oval bezel with a leaping lion facing left. 4.71 grams, 23.21mm overall, 19.26 x 14.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Turquoise Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterEstimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Composed mainly of annular and oblate beads with a large pear-shaped bead as a central feature, restrung. 10 grams, 38 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.
