Roman Silver-Gilt Brooch with Diana

Comprising a tapering hoop formed with convergent bands filled with scrolls, granule at the junction to the reverse; beaded wire frame to the square bezel with central panel and teardrop-cell to each corner; inset cabochon to each corner cell, later green cabochon to centre; shoulder repaired in antiquity with gold strap. 7.27 grams, 23.17 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)



with Gorny & Mosch, Auction 119, 16 October 2002, no.3072. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12814-241422. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With narrow shank, plano-convex section, and incised saltires to the outer face, gilt cell to the bezel with granule clusters, inset intaglio of Minerva standing with spear and cornucopia. 4.65 grams, 23.29 mm overall, 17.38 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Biconvex with intaglio palm-tree motif. 0.2 grams, 10 mm



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Diverse and sometimes exotic imagery can be found on Roman gemstones, like the ones from sites like Caerleon, showing a Roman gemstone in agate depicting a palm tree with dates. These gemstones, often featuring bucolic scenes and symbols of prosperity, were sometimes made of materials coming from the different corners of the empire or even distant lands like Cyprus, Egypt, India, and Sri Lanka. Palm trees were symbols of abundance and fertility, and were a common motif on Roman gemstones even before the advent of Christianity, when the palm tree was associated with the glorious entrance of God in Jerusalem. They were sometimes depicted with other elements like parrots, further highlighting the exotic nature of some Roman gemstone designs.