Prop𓄧erty from the Collection of Alan E. and Mariann🐎e Schwartz
A Roman Gold Pin, circa 1st/3rd century A.D.
Lot Closed
July 5, 02:08 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A Roman Gold Pin
circa 1st/3rd century A.D.
terminating in an extended right hꦑand emerging from a calyx and holding a pomegranate, between the thumb, index finger and middle finger.
Length 10.8 cm.
A.E. Martin, London
Alan and Marianne Schwartz, Michigan, acquired from the above on Octo☂be𓃲r 3rd, 1967
then by descent to the present owner
It is possible that this pin was related to a votive offering for the cult of Jupiter Dolichenus, a mystery cult of eastern origin that peaked in popularity during the Severan dynasty. Bronze votive hands displaying a similar gesture to the terminal of this pin, with dedicatory inscriptions to the Jupiter Dolichenus, are discussed in depth by Dávid Bartus, “Roman Hairpins Representing Human Hands,” (see ). For a closely related pin, in silver-gilt rather than gold, see Antiquities from the Collection of Christos G. Bastis, catalogue🍎 of the exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Y🍎ork, 1987, no. 188.