Auction 86 - Glyptics and Ancient Jewelry

A roman nicolo intaglio. Funerary winged genius.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

8 x 10 x 3 mm

The character, identifiable with Pothos, is standing with crossed legs facing left. He holds a scepter in the right hand and a cup in the left one. Attractive color of the stone.


Parallels: Erika Zwierlein-Diehl, Die Gemmen und Kameen des Dreikonigenschreines, p. 309 n. 206 (for the same subject on the same stone).

European private collection.

A roman nicolo intaglio. Asclepius.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

10,5 x 14 x 3 mm

The divinity is standing, seen from the front but with the head turned to the right. The figure holds the scepter with the snake entertwined; gem related to the protection of good health and the power of medicine.



U.K private collection

A roman agate intaglio. Zeus Sarapis, Isis and Harpokrates.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

15 x 17 x 5 mm

The three characters are standing turned on the right side. The goddess Isis holds a sistrum in her left hand and a jug in her right, Harpokrates holds a horn of abundance in his right; Sarapis holds a scepter in his right. Isis wears plants on her head, and Sarapis the modius. Interesting iconography in reference of the egyptian osiriac triad. Stone is broken on the lower part. Nice color of the stone. Slight wear marks and little traces of burns.

Parallels : A cast of the Cornell Gem Impressions Collection, Cornell University, 01.1.0101

U.K private collection

A roman nicolo intaglio. Zeus with the eagle.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

10 x 12 x 3 mm

The deity is seated on a throne. With his right hand he holds the scepter, with his left he holds a patera. At his feet, the eagle. Groundline. Votive gem dedicated to the cult of Zeus, supreme ruler of Olympus. Interesting octagonal shape of the bezel. Wear marks.



U.K. private collection

A large roman carnelian intaglio. Mythological scene.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

21,5 x 27 x 3 mm

On the left side, the standing figure of Hermes is holding the caduceus and facing Zeus seated on his throne. The young god is offering a purse of money to the supreme god ( at his feet an eagle).Groundline. Probably from an eastern workshop. Small chips on the edge. Very large size. Beautiful deep red and orange color.



Monte-Carlo private collection, Mr. P.L, 1982

A fine roman red jasper intaglio. Hercules with the apples of Hesperides.

1st - 2nd century A.D.

10 x 13 x 3 mm

The hero, facing right, is holding the club with the left hand, three apples of the Hesperides and the lion skin with the right one. Groundline. The scene refers to the famous twelve labors of Hercules. In this case, the heroic figure is standing, with the body finely sculpted in its anatomical details, seen from the front but with the head turned in profile to the right, in a glorious pose showing the fruit of the eleventh labor. Subject that symbolizes strength, courage, astuteness and virtue. Attractive color of the stone. Rare. Slight wear marks. Large chipping on the edge below.



U.K., private collection 80's, London.

A fine roman nicolo intaglio. Standing Mars.

2nd century A.D.

11 x 14 x 3 mm

The divinity is standing, with the helmeted head turned to the right. He wears the cloack and the armor; he holds the spear with his left hand and the shield with his right. At his feet, a small cylindrical altar. On the left side, the inscription THIO.
Votive gem consecrated to the military supremacy and to the victory in war.
Intaglio executed with technical skill and with great attention to the rendering of anatomical details. Wear marks.



U.K private collection

A large roman nicolo intaglio. Venus victrix.

2nd century A.D.

12,5 x 16 x 3 mm

The goddess, facing left, is partially draped and leaning on a column. She holds the helmet in the left hand and the spear in the right one. Slight wear marks.



U.K private collection

A fine roman red jasper intaglio. Votive scene.

1st - 2nd century A.D.

11 x 14 x 3 mm

The scene of sacrifice is composed in the center by a winged erote who rests his right knee on the ground, in a votive attitude, in the act of offering a small boar as a sacrificial victim. On the sides, two winged armed geniuses, facing the center of the scene. A figure wears the cloak armor and holds a spear and a sword, which he brings closer to the animal; the other figure, in a tunic and cloak, holds one spear but with the tip pointing downwards and still wields a sword. Groundline. Below, the letter F. Interesting allegorical representation. Attractive color of the stone. Slight wear marks. Rare.



U.K., private collection 70's, London.

A roman bloodstone intaglio. Eros hunter.

1st - 2nd century A.D.

9 x 12 x 3 mm

The winged child is depicted in the act of hitting a goat with a weapon, holding it by a paw. At his feet, the body of a dying prey. In the background, a tree. On the back of the bezel: the initial letter of the owner's name (in the style of the seals), presumably engraved during the 18th century. Unusual piece. Attractive vivid color of the stone. Light chipping on the edge. Wear marks.



U.K private collection

A roman burnt silver impression from an intaglio. Venus victrix with eros.

1st - 2nd century A.D.

9 x 11 x 2 mm

The divinity is facing right, offering the helmet to Eros with her right hand; with her left she holds a spear. The partially draped figure leans on a column. Below, a shield and winged eros holding a sword. Scene referring to the eternal victory of love and to its great power on the human beings. Interesting specimen. Chipping on th edge.



U.K private collection

A roman carnelian intaglio. Eros and Anteros.

1st century A.D.

10 x 12 x 3 mm

The two winged creatures, intent in the struggle, are naked and are both characterized by thick hair. An erote attacks from behind his opponent, blocking his hands on his back and making him his prisoner. Anteros, taken prisoner, appears defeated and with his head tilted forward. Below, a bow and a quiver, the reason for the dispute: the arms of Love. Groundline. Delicious scene composed with grace and irony. Interesting stylistic rendering. Wear marks.

Parallels: U. Pannuti, p. 26 n. 36

U.K private collection