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LOT 0778
Gallo-Roman Bronze Rider Statuette
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (71 grams total, 78 mm including stand).
Modelled nude with legs thrust forward, left arm forward from the body, right arm held to the rear with hand forming a fist, diadem to the brow; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Unlike the British Museum statuette, our figure is represented in the heroic nudity of the warrior on horseback, even if the position is identical. It is very likely that the statuette represents one of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, and perhaps it was part of a pair of twins on horseback.
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:
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Large Late Roman Sigma-Shaped Marble Offering Table Top
Eastern Mediterranean, 4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
Semi-circular with raised and slightly everted edge, the top with a recessed area with a funnel-shaped outlet; for votive offerings within a church; restored. 84.5 kg including backplate, 91 cm wide
In general good condition, re-assembled.
Acquired in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Ex David Read collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12080-214035.
Marble tables such as the present example are called in archaeological terms sigma tables, in consideration of their resemblance to the Greek letter sigma. Sigma-shaped tables appeared in the banquet halls at the end of the 4th century and within Christian buildings from the following century. Most of the undecorated slabs were used as liturgical table tops for feasts to honour the deceased. This commemorative practice was known throughout the late Roman world in west and east, where it continued in the daily life of the citizens of the Eastern Roman Empire. In ecclesiastical settings, circular and sigma-shaped tables were used to collect offerings or for celebrating the agape, more generally as secondary furniture, while the rectangular form was preferred for use as an altar. -
Roman Terracotta Lamp with Gladiator
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Discoid body with sunken discus with bas-relief scene of a gladiator in combat with gladius poised and scutum raised above his head, D-shaped nozzle with volutes; supplied with a custom-made stand. 167 grams total, 19 cm including stand (lamp 11.6 cm)
Ex Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, Germany (1944-2001). Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, part 2, Christie's London, 28 April 2004, no.178 (part). Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of the Christie's lot listing. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12235-222198. -
Roman Bronze Carp Mount
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Modelled with thick body tapering to a curved divided tail; large dorsal fin above and two small ventral fins; dished recess to one side for attachment to a bowl; mounted on a custom-made stand. 9.5 grams, 64 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.