Loading, please wait...
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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Imperial Military Iron Ring with Burnt Agate Gemstone with a Helmetted Warrior
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Comprising a slender D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel set with an intaglio of a young soldier wearing a crested helmet, either Minerva or Roma. 6.30 grams, 25.14 mm overall, 19.63 x 16.97 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
UK private collection, acquired on the English market in the 2000s. -
.jpg)
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Sol and Greek Inscription
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Domed base, featuring a standing god Sol (Greek Helios) wearing a radiate crown and muscled cuirass, his left arm raised and the right hand holding a long whip, Greek inscription 'ΦλλNOY' = gem belonging to a man named Phaanos = 'the radiant one, the shining one ', creating a play-of-words between the owner's name and the solar deity. 1.24 grams, 16 mm
Private collection, UK. UK private collection, acquired on the English art market in the 2000s. -
Roman Bronze Openwork Mount
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Trapezoidal plaque with openwork scroll detailing, pierced at each corner for attachment, voided tab at the lower edge. 8.78 grams, 41 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, Suffolk, UK.
