Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0346
Celtic Bronze Statuette of a Duck
IRON AGE, 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (52 grams total, duck: 43 mm high).
Modelled in the round with splayed legs, scooped beak, T-shaped tail with serrated edge and loop to the back; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Ex Cambridge, UK, collection, 1990-2010.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
VETTING:
TimeLine 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
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Celtic La Tene Silver Fibula
Iron Age, circa 400-200 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Symmetrical humpback shape, constructed on a single piece of silver with simple loop spring, arched bow, spiral terminal decoration and integral catchplate. 7.65 grams, 51 mm
From the collection of a Suffolk gentleman, early 2000s. Property of a private collector, West London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze La Tene Fibula
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With integral spring and pin, flat-section bow with raised median rib and edges, wide foot with catch and piercing. 8.78 grams, 68 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
.jpg)
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Modelled as a bridled and saddled bull, naturalistically rendered with well-defined facial planes, lending a vivid and expressive character to the figure; the edge of the saddle adorned with a delicate row of incised circles, broad hollowed out hooves. 48.6 grams, 54 mm long
Frank Sternberg collection, Zurich, 1980s. Private collection, acquired from Frank Sternberg in 1992. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss register certificate, dated 29 March 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12729-234223. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The statuette likely served as a votive offering (ex-voto) at a sanctuary or temple, and closely parallels numerous Iberian examples recovered from sacred sites in Alicante, Valencia, and particularly in Andalusia. In Iberian culture, the bull was a potent symbol of strength, virility, and martial power—frequently associated with warrior deities. The inclusion of a saddle and bridle suggests domestication, and it is plausible that such animals, being more docile than horses, may have been ridden or equipped in ritual or ceremonial contexts.
