Roman Gilt Silver Torc w/ Serpent Heads, ex Christie's

Roman, Imperial Period, probably Roman Britain with Celtic influence, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A striking piece of silver jewelry, a torc (torq, torque) made from 86% silver, with serpent heads forming the terminals. Wine red garnet eyes are on each terminal, and gilt covers the snake heads and a substantial portion of the body of the torc, which is incised to create an impression of snakeskin. The mythical serpent is common in pagan religious belief from this time period and into the Migration Period after, called "linnormr" in Old Norse, which translates to lindworm; the concept is known across Scandinavia and northern Europe and can still be seen in British heraldry. Snakes were also symbols of rebirth and rejuvenation, shedding their skin every year. Size: 5.4" W (13.7 cm); silver quality: 86%; total weight: 90 grams

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, USA; ex-East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#141450
Condition Report: Very slight bending to form, mainly near middle of the piece. Light patina on surface. Gilding is in very nice condition with few losses.