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LOT 0192
Hellenistic or Roman Bronze Grotesque Figure
ALEXANDRIA, 1ST CENTURY B.C.-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (257 grams total, 11.5cm including stand).
Modelled standing nude in a contorted pose with left arm raised and right hand on the hip, head tilted; 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.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 193; cf. Mitten, D.G., Doeringer, S.F., Master Bronzes from the Classical World, Exhibition, Fogg Art Museum/City Museum of Saint Louis/Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1967-1968, no.117, p.119, for similar.
FootnotesRolland (p.104) notes that such grotesque 'pygmy' figures may have been intended as caricatures. They were already produced in Alexandria since the 1st century B.C., and considered to be charms against the evil eye. Beautiful statuettes of this typology are well known from the Roman period, perhaps produced in the workshops of Alexandria, Egypt, on the occasion of the visit of the Emperor Caracalla.
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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Late Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Gryphon Handle and Stand
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20,800
Comprising a rounded lamp with carinated body and elongated nozzle emerging from a lotus flower, a dolphin perching on top of one of the petals, the nozzle formed as an eight-pointed star with projecting knobs; a raised Chi Rho symbol to both sides of the body and a hinged lid to the top; the upcurving handle formed as a gryphon head emerging from the stem of a lotus flower, the gryphon holding a round object in its open beak, the mane formed of four spikes topped with spheres, carrying a Chi Rho topped with a dove between its ears; later modified to mount on a balustered tripod stand with lion's paw feet, reel-shaped drip tray and a tapering pricket to accept the lamp. 4.21 kg, 47 cm high
German art market. European private collection, 1970s-early 2000s. Acquired from the above; thence by descent. Private collection, London, UK. 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.12347-225589. -
Roman Bone Pendant of a Nude Man
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Carved bust with pierced suspension lug above. 1.2 grams, 22 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Roman Bronze Bust of a Kouros
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Modelled in the round with elaborate braided hair, large lentoid eyes, bare chest; hollow to reverse. 99 grams, 75 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
