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_900x900.jpg "Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette")
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_900x900.jpg "Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette")
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LOT 0345
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
2 1/8 in. (48.6 grams, 54 mm long).
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.
ProvenanceFrank 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.
See Hibbs, V., Antiquities from the Collection of Leon Levy and Shelby White, The Spanish Institute, New York, 1993; Tarradell, M., Iberian Art, New York, 1968.
FootnotesThe 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.
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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LOT 0345
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Celtic Iceni Decorated Bronze Horn Cap
Iron Age, 2nd century B.C.-early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Sceptre head or other fitting with biconvex flange, possibly a finial from the yoke of a chariot. 314 grams total, 45-75 mm
Found Colchester, Essex, UK, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Twenty or so 'horn caps' are known in museums and private collections, all have been found in Britain and mostly in Southern England. This type of decorative cap is from the end of a curved wooden handle which projected from the back of an Iron Age chariot, by which a warrior could pull himself back into the chariot. The chariot to which this would have been attached would have belonged to a chief or wealthy warrior from the Icenic tribe. -
Iron Age Celtic Silver Snake-Headed Bracelet
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Comprising a round-section shank and flattened finials: one with punched annulet detailing and ring-and-dot eyes, the other smaller with punched pellets. 61.5 grams, 81 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
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Iron Age Celtic Bronze Artefact Collection
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Comprising: a fragment of a dragonesque brooch; an openwork dragonesque brooch with a central boss; a small toggle with bulbous finials; an oval strap or belt mount with a rivet to the reverse. 58 grams total including document, 17-40 mm
Found Yorkshire, UK. From the private collection of Robin Sykes, Yorkshire, UK, formed since the late 1990s. Accompanied by record sheets by Jim Halliday. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
