This spectacular sheet gold roundel depicts the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, who reigned between 192-211 AD. Born in the Roman African Province (modern-day Libya), he  More »

This spectacular sheet gold roundel depicts the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, who reigned between 192-211 AD. Born in the Roman African Province (modern-day Libya), he rose through the ranks because of his military success and an advantageous marriage to the educated Julia Domna. Ruling for an impressive eighteen years, he died at York in England whilst on campaign. He is best remembered for his military reforms which included raising army pay, allowing soldiers to marry and introducing greater opportunities for promotion through the ranks.The roundel depicts the bust of Septimius, crowned with a wreath and facing right. He is shown with his distinctive forked-beard, a full head of curls and military dress. The inscription reads (from left to right): ‘L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIII.’ The whole design is encircled with a border of repouse circles. Two small holes, on the upper edge, would have been used to attach the roundel to a chain or garment. This is an extremely rare and well-preserved object of great historical and aesthetic value. (AM) - (OS.241 )   « Less

Of light honey color, with a trefoil lip, this delightful vessel perhaps once contained scented oils. Did the person who first held it centuries ago admire its delicate shape  More »

Of light honey color, with a trefoil lip, this delightful vessel perhaps once contained scented oils. Did the person who first held it centuries ago admire its delicate shape and mellow color as we do now? It seems a miracle that something so fragile should survive the ages intact; that is beautiful as well only adds to the pleasure. - (G.0008)   « Less

Surely the graceful beauty of this rare vessel astonished its ancient owners as much as it does us. Of course, we can marvel as well at the fact that it has survived the  More »

Surely the graceful beauty of this rare vessel astonished its ancient owners as much as it does us. Of course, we can marvel as well at the fact that it has survived the whims of time intact and gained character in the process-- which adds an extra luster to its already breathtaking loveliness. - (G.0012)   « Less

Jars are vessels with wide mouths and a short neck. Most jars don't have an added base. Their major function was to hold thick substances such as ointments.This globular jar  More »

Jars are vessels with wide mouths and a short neck. Most jars don't have an added base. Their major function was to hold thick substances such as ointments.This globular jar has a slightly everted round rim. It sits on a concave base. A trail of applied zigzag band runs around the middle of the body. - (G.0048)   « Less

This simple but elegant vessel--of unusually large size--perhaps once held water or wine at the table of some wealthy Roman citizen. The amazing thing is that its pure,  More »

This simple but elegant vessel--of unusually large size--perhaps once held water or wine at the table of some wealthy Roman citizen. The amazing thing is that its pure, functional design would make it welcome on any modern table today. A remarkable object, by any definition a classic. - (G.0059)   « Less

In the sunset of the classical world, a woman drew out the dark beauty of her eyes with kohl or ground malachite contained in this elegant vessel. We can be certain of  More »

In the sunset of the classical world, a woman drew out the dark beauty of her eyes with kohl or ground malachite contained in this elegant vessel. We can be certain of nothing more about her--though we might guess she was beautiful- -yet somehow from this fragile clue we feel we know her well. We can see her smiling into her mirror and thinking--as women still do--about the evening to come, about the past, and the future... - (G.0074)   « Less

This gorgeous vase glows the same fiery shade as molten glass, as if the vessel had just been taken from the glassmaker's rod and had not yet cooled. When its graceful form  More »

This gorgeous vase glows the same fiery shade as molten glass, as if the vessel had just been taken from the glassmaker's rod and had not yet cooled. When its graceful form was shaped by the breath of a master artisan, Rome was in her glory. Though empires may come and go, true beauty is timeless. - (G.0078)   « Less

As with a great symphony, all the elements of this splendid vase are woven into a harmonious whole. What could be added or taken away that would not interfere with its  More »

As with a great symphony, all the elements of this splendid vase are woven into a harmonious whole. What could be added or taken away that would not interfere with its perfection? Even the shimmering patina--a happy accident of time and circumstance--seems as if deliberately planned by the artisan who created the vessel in the twilight of the classical world. - (G.0081)   « Less

The subtle, textured geometry of this vessel's surface was perhaps designed so that it could be gripped better in the hand. Its perfumed contents could then be shaken out  More »

The subtle, textured geometry of this vessel's surface was perhaps designed so that it could be gripped better in the hand. Its perfumed contents could then be shaken out through the tiny neck hole as a benediction at festivals and ceremonies. Centuries have passed, time has added character to the surface, and yet one can still perceive the faint glow of that ancient hand upon it... - (G.0090)   « Less

Perhaps this delightfully simple vessel once belonged among the perfumes and cosmetics of a fashionable beauty of the Roman era. With slender fingers, she would have applied  More »

Perhaps this delightfully simple vessel once belonged among the perfumes and cosmetics of a fashionable beauty of the Roman era. With slender fingers, she would have applied its soothing contents to her soft skin. Today, the empty jar seems radiant with the memory of the loveliness it witnessed long ago, so much so that it has become a rare treasure itself. - (G.0096)   « Less