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LOT 0035
Bronze Bust with Phallus
ROMAN, 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (377 grams total, 14.5 cm including stand).
Modelled as a grotesque male head, depicted clean-shaven and hairless apart from a small tuft of hair to the rear with a raised phallus above; the neck developing to a broad circular socket with flange rim; mounted on a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an old Nevers collection, acquired before 1960.
Ex Hotel des Ventes de Nevers.
Property of a French collector.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12035-214900.
Cf. Esperandieu, E. & Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de la Seine Maritime, XIII Supplement a Gallia, Paris, 1959, no.178; Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 196; see also the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession no.97.22.6.
FootnotesThe exact meaning of these grotesque busts surmounted by a phallus is disputed, although Rolland (p.106) believes that they originated in Alexandria among the priests of the cult of Isis. Similar busts have been discovered in the Roman Gallia, at Bavay and Strasbourg.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
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Acquired by the owners family in the 1980s. Ex Rupert Wace, Ancient Art Ltd, London UK. with Christie's, New York, ‘Ancient Jewellery’, 11 December 2003, no.378. European private collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12084-218157. -
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Egyptian Stone Head
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Stylised face with broad surrounding hood with corrugated texture to the outer face; lentoid face with reserved almond eyes, D-section nose and slit mouth; with arc of drilled holes around the inner edge of the hood to accept inset ornaments, more holes to the forehead, eyes, cheeks and chin; mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.92 kg total, 29 cm wide including stand
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