Roman Rock Crystal Tortoise Amulet

Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, lying prone with paws forward. 44.5 grams, 42 mm long



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

Standing with her weight on her right leg, the left leg slightly bent, looking towards her left; the hair gathered at the nape of the neck; dressed in a short pleated sleevelesschiton, puffed up at the waist and falling above her knees, small boots with the strings tied above the ankles; carrying a quiver held by a strap passing over the right shoulder across her breasts; her lowered left arm was probably holding a bow, her right arm raised above her shoulder in the act of drawing an arrow from her quiver; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 155 grams total, 12.5 cm high including stand



Ex Mr. A.J. collection, Geneva, Switzerland. Acquired in Europe in 2014. Private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11793-206487

This example depicts a well-attested type of Diana (Greek Artemis) goddess of the hunt. The slight swaying and the folds of the garment recall a Greek work of the classical period, widely copied by the Romans. The statuette is a good artwork from the Roman period, with identical copies spread throughout the empire, as many similar figures came from Naples, Bligny-sur-Dache, Trebizond, Carnuntum, and Vienna. The statuette was probably intended for a domestic altar (lararium).

Mainly comprising fragmentary artefacts including brooches; rings; mounts and other miscellaneous items, including items displaying enamelled and other decorative techniques. 232 grams total, 13-48 mm



Found Berkshire, UK.