Roman Terracotta Jar

A bronze figure of a child sitting with one leg extended and the other bent beneath the body, arms raised in supplication; loose fitting trousers and knee-length tunic gathered at the waist, boots on the feet and a separate pointed hood on the head; Scythian or similar costume. 14.6 grams, 61 mm



Private Swiss collection, acquired 2001.

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).

A square plaque from a casket or votive panel with the embossed image of the Muse Terpsichore, dressed in a short sleeved tunica talaris, standing with the weight on the right leg, the other leg bent in front of the body, the right hand holding a lyre hanging from a strap, in the left hand a staff; inscription in late Latin beside the right part of the head reading 'TEPSECORE'; the figure framed with an embossed edge; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 41 grams total, 10.6 cm high including stand

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1970s. Ex London collection.

The plaque probably came from a casket similar to the one of Carnuntum, which represent the images of the Muses on one side and biblical scenes to the other side. These scenes were popular motifs in Late Antiquity, where caskets with Christian and mythological images were widespread, especially in Pannonia.