Eastern Roman Bronze Dragon Head Finial

The oval stone engraved with an old man (a philosopher?) seated on a stone, wearing a low cap, half naked and with the cloak covering his leg; his right hand resting beside him, and his left hand raised in the act of speaking; a tree behind, inscription in Greek letters 'ψίω' (= eat). 1.01 grams, 13 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

A particularly recognisable representation in Graeco-Roman art was that of a male character, with a bald head and a slightly pointed beard, seated in profile on a simple seat or on a rock. It represents the philosopher, who often has his hand raised in the gesture of speaking or holds a volume in his hands, characterised according to the rules of cynicism, by the bare torso and the cloak that covers his legs. The inscription refers to the imperative to 'feed' on knowledge.

Each with ring-and-dot spots arranged: 1:6; 2:5; 3:4; 1:6; 2:5; 3:4. 8.85 grams total, 13-14 mm



Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.

Modelled with naturalistic detailing on all fours nibbling a nut held between the forepaws, tail curled upwards across the back. 22.4 grams, 29 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.