Roman Redware Fragment with Diana

Decorated with patterns comprising sphinxes, dolphins, and masks of Medusa in fields between columns, and floral border strips with laurel leaves. 19.75 kg, 90 cm



Acquired 1970s-early 1990s. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11993-209841.

There were many ways of burying bodies during the Roman Empire. Although the majority were buried without coffins, there is evidence for wooden coffins, lead-framed wooden coffins, tile burials and lead and stone coffins. This item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section are symbols of the outer-world, including gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples. The roundels featuring the head of Medusa, known for her potent gazes that could turn one to stone, was favoured on sarcophagi and architectural ornaments because it was believed that her image would protect those within. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Very often these sarcophagi were connected by a pipe to the ground above so that mourners could pour in offerings into the grave.

Loop-in-loop chain, each link formed from two strands of thick gold wire; thick hook with the end coiled about the shank; eye with ribbed detailing and coiled end; housed in a custom-made display case. 28.15 grams, 46.5 cm long

Excellent condition

Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11937-210478.

Among the necklaces manufactured from gold mesh (hormoi or chains), there are two recognisable fundamental types: the first, shorter and with endings suitable for being fixed on fabric, was used to adorn clothes, hooked at shoulder height. The second type (like our specimen) was worn around the neck and was generally fitted with a simple hook-and-eyelet closure.

Facetted hoop and disc bezel with inset sardonyx depicting three facing goddesses holding attributes. 6.76 grams, 24.93 mm overall, 21.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



From a collection of a London lady, acquired annually during 1990s-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11962-210875.