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LOT 0081
Roman Satyr Traveller Gemstone in Gold Ring
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (8.22 grams, 27.20 mm overall, 22.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)).
A garnet cabochon with intaglio satyr traveller advancing with staff and pouch over his shoulder, set into a later gold finger ring.
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1990s.
Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11619-199018.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 321, for type; Richter, G.M.A., Engraved Gems of the Romans, London, 1971, no.184.
FootnotesThe subject was popular on Roman gems: Silenus and the satyrs, grotesque hedonists, unrestrained in their desire for sex and wine, and yet immortal companions of Dionysus, were considered ‘cruder than men and yet somehow wiser, combining mischief with wisdom, lewdness with skill in music, animalism with divinity'. The counterpoint of the divine and the atavistic appealed to the Roman sense of moral superiority.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Epigraphic Gemstone with Symbols
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
An epigraphic gem of oval shape, with a smooth surface on one side and inscriptions of a magical-Christian nature engraved in tondos and tabulae ansatae on the other side, one bearing the Greek letters Α and ω (Alpha and Omega) above the letters I and X. 0.84 grams, 17 mm
Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
The letter Alfa and Omega (A W) are a clear link with a Christian cult, especially in this case in which the two letters are incised over the other two letter Iota and Chi IX, initials of the Greek Iesus Xριστός 'Christ'. The letters Alpha and Omega are symbols of eternity of the Divine Figure (I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, Revelation, 22.13). -
Roman Head of Minerva with Helm Appliqué
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
A bronze appliqué formed as the head of Minerva (Greek Athena) wearing a tall helmet with scooped brow-band and lobed ends developing to wings with radiating feather detailing; facing mask with finely detailed eyes and mouth, hanks of flowing hair connecting to the ends of the wings. 23.2 grams, 39 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11626-199003. -
Roman Silver Bowl
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
A deep bell-shaped silver bowl with thickened rim and rounded underside. 322 grams, 13.2 cm wide
Usage wear.
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.
