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LOT 0379
Sardonyx Cameo of the Greek Goddess Athena in Gold Mount
EUROPE, 18TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (14.98 grams, 36 mm).
Finely carved, high-relief cameo depicting profile bust of the goddess, wearing a plumed helmet with the crest supported by a winged Pegasus, her hair modelled in soft curls framing the face and falling over the shoulder above articulated lorica (battle armour); small grape-shaped earrings and multiple necklaces carefully rendered, creating an appealing contrast between martial attributes and feminine ornament; set in an unmarked, high-carat gold frame, probably struck and finished in England after the gem’s return from the Grand Tour, two lateral suspension loops.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market.
FootnotesThe relief shows confident toolwork: crisp contours to the facial profile, detailed treatment of the helmet and feathers, and subtle gradations of planes between the figure and the background.
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 0379
Sardonyx Cameo of the Greek Goddess Athena in Gold Mount
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
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Tudor Period Knight's Gilt-Bronze Belt Mount Group
Circa 16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
Matched pair of rectangular mounts with low-relief floral decoration flanked by pelletted borders and openwork finials. 8.9 grams total, 35-43 mm
From the private collection of Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK; formed 1980s-1990s. -
Heliotrope Cameo with Christ in Gold Mount
Italy, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £1,250
Carefully rendered bust of Christ facing left, crown of thorns resting on his curly hair, short beard and pained expression on his face; set in a gold mount with applied ropework collars, pin and catch on the reverse. 16.3 grams, 42 mm
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13404-257986.
It was believed that the scarlet flecks in the stone were the blood of Christ, hence its popular use for the subject of Christ throughout the Middle Ages until the 19th century. -
Post Medieval Multi-Coloured Glass Ring
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
D-section hoop made from mosaic glass in shades of green and yellow with blue, red and other speckles. 0.90 grams, 22.31 mm overall, 17.54 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.
