Lot 76A
Roman Gold Pendant - Mask of Silenus in Violet Glass
Roman Gold Pendant - Mask of Silenus in Violet Glass
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Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A rare and charismatic pendant bearing the mythic face of Silenus, this ancient Roman jewel blends Dionysian symbolism with imperial craftsmanship. At its heart lies a molded intaglio of violet-hued glass, the color of aged wine and twilight revelry, echoing the eternal intoxication of Silenus himself - the raucous companion of Dionysus and a patron of divine madness and rustic wisdom. His leonine features, thick beard, and unruly hair are rendered in crisp relief, worn soft by time but still exuding a mischievous vitality. The bearded face of Silenus emerges in worn yet vivid relief, his features wild and leonine, evoking the trance-like joy of Bacchic rites. This glass portrait is set within a high-purity gold mount, composed of approximately 96% gold (23.04 karats), its hammered bezel gleaming like the glow of a festival torch. A ribbed suspension loop crowns the setting, crafted for wear as an amulet or pendant. Size: 0.9" L x 0.8" W (2.3 cm x 2 cm); gold quality: 96% (23.04 karats): weight: 2.2 grams
In Roman tradition, Silenus represented not only drunkenness but also prophetic insight and ecstatic liberation. The choice of violet glass may have been intentional - an alchemical marriage of color and character - linking the deep hues of wine to the spirit of the god's most loyal and irreverent attendant. Elegant and myth-laden, this pendant preserves the memory of ancient revels and the power of art to channel divine presence.
Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 to 2010
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#196150
- Condition: Glass amulet has been professionally repaired with break line visible. Some small chips and abrasions to glass, as well as indentations to gold, but otherwise liberal remaining detail. Wearable with earthen deposits in areas.
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |