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LOT 0090
Roman Sardonyx Cameo of an Eagle
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (0.65 grams, 16 mm).
With a cameo image of a bird, probably an eagle, 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.12950-246450.
Cf. Gołyźniak, P., Engraved Gems and Propaganda in the Roman Republic and under Augustus, Oxford, 2020, fig.131b, for a similar (but not identical) eagle on gemstone.
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 Bone Dice Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Each cuboid with incised ring-and-dot motifs disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4 and 1:2, 3:?, 5:?. 2.82 grams total, 8 x 9 mm
From a collection of gaming items, formed 1980-1990s. -
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Etruscan Bronze Lion Head
Central Italy, late 6th century B.C.Estimate: £10,000 - 14,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £4,500
A decorative fitting with roaring mouth and protruding fangs and tongue, the whiskers depicted in raised radiating ridges, with lidded, elongated almond-shaped eyes and small, round ears; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.11 kg total, 17.5 cm including stand
with Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.58. Donati collection, Lugano, prior to 1982. Collection of Banca della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, prior to 1986. Formerly in the Bourgknecht collection, Switzerland. Accompanied by Art Loss certificate no.S00123227.
This head was probably, as was the parallel head of the Barberini Tomb, originally attached to a magnificent bronze cauldron. These large cauldrons of hammered bronze were realised with heads and necks of two lions and two gryphons attached to the rim. The cauldrons were spherical in form and rested on a stand. -
Roman Gemstone with Female Portrait
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Ellipsoid in plan with intaglio profile female bust. 0.41 grams, 9 mm
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1970s onwards. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Based on similarities with coins and sculptures, the gemstone could date to the Late Hellenistic or Early Roman period. These similarities can be seen in the strongly marked lines of the dress, the pronounced shape of the mouth, and the squareness of the nose.
