Roman Wall Plaster Fragment Group

Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, seated with right paw extended. 33.4 grams, 40 mm high



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

With circular hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel flanked by two bosses; the bezel set with a carnelian gemstone engraved with the winged goddess Victory, dressed in a chiton with overfold, walking on tiptoes to the left and holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and a palm branch in her left. 3.20 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

This type derives from a statue by Lysippos and appears on statues, reliefs, coins, and gems for purposes of political propaganda. In some variants on gems, Victory has her foot up on a globe, is seated and wears a helmet, an Erote gives her a palm, or the shield is propped against a trophy, a column or a palm tree.

Formed as a bust of within foliate crescent, wearing a floral diadem and pleated tunic; rectangular mounting lug to reverse. 42.8 grams, 45 mm high



Found near Colchester, Essex, 2005.