Loading, please wait...
LOT 0125
Roman Silver Ring with Warrior Gemstone
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (8.11 grams, 27.11 mm overall, 20.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)).
With ellipsoid plaque and inset carnelian cloison with intaglio kneeling warrior with Pseudo-Attic helmet pushed back from the face, domed shield on one arm and sword held upright in the other hand supported by the knee.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market in the 1990s.
UK collection of a European gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Marshall, F. M., Catalogue of the Finger Rings Greek, Etruscan and Roman in the Departments of Antiquities of the British Museum, London, 1968; Spier, J., Ancient Gems and Finger Rings, Malibu, 1992, figs.50, 112 (crouching warrior); Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 87, for type of ring; item 123, for the type of ring and the image of a crouching warrior; Boardman, J., Greek gems and finger rings, London, 2001, fig.213.
FootnotesThe motif of a nude kneeling warrior with weapons is certainly visible in the repertory of the Greek gemstones since the Archaic and classical age. The scene possibly alludes to the incident in the Trojan Cycle where Achilles is wounded by an arrow in his heel, the only part of his body which was not impervious to injury.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Bronze Statue of a Bear Killing a Deer
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
On a stepped triangular base, bear with head raised, forepaws round the neck of a deer with legs folded beneath the body. 398 grams, 10 cm
Nicolas Koutoulakis (1910-1996). Private collection of Mr K.A. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Combat between large animals was a popular theme in Roman art. The staging of such fights in the Flavian Amphitheatre in the heart of Rome is evidenced. Furthermore, the 3rd-4th century A.D. mosaic floor unearthed at Lod, Israel, in 1996 shows several scenes with ferocious wild animal - a lion and lioness, an elephant, a giraffe, a rhinoceros, a tiger, and a wild bull - all arranging themselves for a colossal fight to the death. The mosaic was lifted intact and is on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. -
Roman Bone Pin with Gold Terminal
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Round in section and tapering to each end, with knop finial and applied gilding. 1.99 grams, 74 mm
Acquired from Coincraft, London, UK. From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent. Accompanied by a Coincraft certificate of authenticity. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Bone Pin and Implement Group
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Each with round-section shank, one with hoop finial. 29.3 grams total, 9.2-11.3 cm
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.
