Loading, please wait...
LOT 0704
Gallo-Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (43 grams, 59 mm).
Modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist.
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s.
Ex UK collection.
Property of a Hampshire, UK gentleman.
See Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 90; Boucher, S., Recherches sur les bronzes figures de Gaule pre-romaine et romaine, 1976, pl.35, no.163, for comparable examples.
FootnotesLikely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows.
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
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.
-
Larger Than Life-Size Roman Bronze Satyr's Ear
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Probably from a colossal statue of Silenus or a satyr, detailed and naturalistic rendering of a left ear, conical shape with accurate depiction of the internal hair. 767 grams, 18.5 cm
Acquired in Europe before 1995. Private collection, Europe.
In the mythology of ancient Greece and in the Graeco-Roman literary world, satyrs were a community of beings who lived mostly in woods, surrounded by nature, and often together with nymphs. In the most ancient period they were imagined by the Greeks like Sileni, in human form, but with the ears, tail and sometimes hooves of horses. Seilenoi were depicted as fat, elderly, white-haired men, with snub noses, balding heads, and the ears and tails of asses. They were sometimes covered in fluffy white hair and occasionally sported a pair of ox horns. -
Roman and Other Mixed Bead Group
1st millennium A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £91
Comprising a range of bead types in different materials, including decorated examples. 93 grams total, 3-29 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. -
Roman Gold Ring with Theseus Gemstone
1st century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
With flange rim to the ellipsoid bezel, inset banded agate gemstone, intaglio Theseus standing nude with a sword. 3.79 grams, 24.29 mm overall, 21.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11862-206980.
