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LOT 0093
Roman Sapphire Gemstone of Bacchus
1ST CENTURY B.C.
1/2 in. (1.41 grams, 12 mm).
With intaglio profile bust of the god Bacchus facing left; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenancePrivate English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12952-246460.
Cf. Elise Giz, J., Confronting the Divine in Miniature: engraved gems and the creation of religious experience in Pompeii, New Brunswick, 2024, fig.2, for similar portrait.
FootnotesDuring and after the Alexandrine period, the character of Greek gems changed considerably: the type of figure became softer and more feminine in beauty, Homeric scenes were no longer represented, and deities such as Apollo, Aphrodite or Dionysus, with subjects relating to the theatre or musical contests, became the favourite motifs for representation.
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:
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Late Roman Glass Pendant
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Discoid with impressed motif of a lion surmounted by a crescent and pellet. 1.23 grams, 24 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999. -
Roman Glass Thimble
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Narrow tubular type with domed end and impressed dimples. 6.47 grams, 23 mm
From an important collection of a London gentleman, UK, 1990s. -
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Roman Silver Ring and Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising: a ring with D-section hoop widening at the shoulders, oval cell to the bezel to accept an insert; a red glass intaglio with a stylised profile bust(?) set in a bronze mount. 12.70 grams, 24.03 mm overall, 16.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, collector. From his private collection since the 1970s; thence by descent circa 2000. Ex private collection of a Bedfordshire gentleman.
