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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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Roman and Other Gemstone Collection
2nd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising mainly lentoid and plano-convex seals in carnelian, amethyst, and other materials with engraved intaglios including a stag, two human figures, huntsman with deer and other topics; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.46 grams total, 10-17 mm
From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s. -
Roman Silver Ring with Clasped Hands Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Rectangular-section hoop with angled shoulders, round bezel set with a carnelian intaglio bearing a stylised clasped hands motif. 4.48 grams, 23.36 mm overall, 19.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Decorated Bronze Stylus with Eraser
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With tapering balustered body, sub-circular eraser to the terminal. 6.08 grams, 93 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
