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_900x900.jpg "Roman White Chalcedony Cameo of a Theatrical Mask")
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LOT 0088
Roman White Chalcedony Cameo of a Theatrical Mask
1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (1.07 grams, 13 mm).
Showing a New Comedy, 'Cook' type theatre mask with an open mouth; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenancePrivate English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
Cf. Spier, J., Ancient Gems and finger Rings, catalogue of the collections, the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 1992, no.292, for a gemstone with a similar bearded comic mask in three-quarter profile.
FootnotesMiniature models of theatrical masks were mass-produced in the ancient world, and can be linked with the Dionysiac mysteries, in association with funeral rites, illustrating the Dionysiac thiasos, the orgiastic world of satyrs and maenads. However, they can also be miniature models of masks linked with highbrow Sophoclean and Euripidean tragedy, or with so-called Middle Comedy, which now only survives in fragments.
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:
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LOT 0088
Roman White Chalcedony Cameo of a Theatrical Mask
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£500 (EUR 580; USD 675) +BP*
-
Silver Roman Coin and Framed Limited Edition Print
3rd century A.D. and laterEstimate: £40 - 60 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
The coin of Emperor Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.) mounted on 22 carat gold foil, framed with an art print signed by the artist David McAllister, depicting scenes of Roman military activity; limited edition number 7/1150. 1.26 kg, 49.5 x 37.5 cm
UK gallery, early 2000s. Accompanied by a previous numbered certificate of authenticity.
David McAllister's exciting design is a 'one of a kind' work that portrays the might and riches of the Roman civilisation. This limited edition print is a celebration of the award-winning artist's lifetime dedication to historical paintings of the ancient world. To enhance appreciation of this rare and historic work, each print is signed and numbered by the artist. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Fighting Gladiators
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Broad and squat with short stub nozzle, concentric rings to the base, row of impressed annulets to the shoulder, discus with central filler hole; low-relief scene of two murmillo gladiators in combat. 62 grams, 82 mm
From a German private collection, 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.4 grams total, 14-21 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.
