Auction 86 - Glyptics and Ancient Jewelry

A roman carnelian intaglio. Goat.

1st-2nd century A.D.

13 x 16 x 2 mm

The animal, under a bush, is running towards the right side. Bucolic scene. Chipping under the groundline.



U.K private collection, London.

A roman yellow jasper intaglio. Lion.

2nd-3rd century A.D.

11 x 13 x 2 mm

The animal is turned on the left side, rising his front legs. Groundline. Little chipping s on the edge. Slight wear marks.



U.K private collection, London.

A roman nicolo intaglio set in an ancient iron fragmentary ring. Lion with crescent moon.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

Intaglio : 9 x 12 Mounting : 13 x 22 mm

The powerful feline is turned on the left side. Above, a crescent moon. Groundline. Allegorical depiction with astrological and magical meaning. Wear marks. Fragmentary iron mounting.



U.K private collection, London.

A roman carnelian intaglio. Sphinx.

2nd century A.D.

10 x 12 x 4 mm

The winged creature is turned on the left side with the body, turning back the head in three-quarters. Groundline. Unusual pose. Slight wear marks. Vivid color of the stone.



U.K private collection, London.

A roman carnelian intaglio. Pegasus.

2nd century A.D.

9 x 10,5 x 2 mm

The winged creature is turned to the left side, raising the front right leg. Groundline. Slight wear marks. Light chipping on the edge.



U.K. private collection, London.

A roman carnelian intaglio. Horse with military trophy.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

11 x 13 x 4 mm

The mighty animal heads to the left, turning its head back; in front of him a military trophy composed of lorica surmounted by a helmet and below a shield. Groundline. Wear marks. Chipping on the edge.



U.K. private collection, London

A roman carnelian intaglio. Bull.

2nd-3rd century A.D.

8 x 11 x 2 mm

The animal is turned on the left. Groundline. Slight wear marks.



U.K private collection, London.

A roman carnelian intaglio. Centaur with attributes.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

11 x 12 x 2 mm

The mythological creature is turned to the left, in the act of playing the lyre. Behind it appears a thyrsus as a reference to the Dionysian processions. Groundline.



U.K. private collection, London

A roman carnelian intaglio. Centaur with a child.

2nd century A.D.

8 x 10 x 2 mm

The mythological scene is probably related to the childhood of Achilles, who was raised by the centaur Chiron. A small boy is in fact depicted here on the back of a centaur, who turns back to him offering an object. Interesting subject. Slight wear marks. Chipping on the edge.



U.K. private collection, London.

A fine roman red jasper intaglio. Centaur with attributes.

1st - 2nd century A.D.

12 x 15 x 2,5 mm

The mythological creature is facing left, with one leg raised, showing the horse's body in profile and the human torso almost frontally. With his right hand he holds a plate with offerings (votive scene), while with his left he holds the pedum.The head is in profile and is characterized by a thick beard and hair. Fine execution for the anatomical details, after the classical greek models. A chip on the edge. Slight wear marks.



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

A rare roman garnet intaglio. Hybrid female creature.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

9 x 12 x 3 mm

The monstrous creature is formed by a human body with bird legs, similar to the harpies (which are usually winged). The figure advances to the left, holding a purse for money with her right hand and a palm frond with her left. Apotropaic depiction referable to good luck. Attractive vivid color of the convex stone. Mirror polishing. Rare and unusual iconography.



U.K. private collection, London.

A roman red jasper intaglio. Gryllos.

2nd century A.D.

8 x 10 x 2 mm

The hybrid composition is formed by a silenus mask with an elephant head terminal on the top (referred to the Africa); a young satyr mask and a bearded man mask. Apotropaic gem. Attractive vivid color of the stone.



U.K. private collection