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LOT 0116
Large Roman Bronze Basilisk
4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (260 grams, 88 mm).
The upper body, neck and head of a mythical basilisk (cockatrice), modelled in the round with the body of a serpent and head of a cockerel, the body with a tapering round-section profile, stylised detailing to the head.
Provenance‘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.
LiteratureCf. Alexander, R.McN., 'The Evolution of the Basilisk' in Greece & Rome, Vol. 10, No. 2 (Oct., 1963), pp. 170-181, for discussion on it; cf. a possible head of Roman basilisk in Stupperich, R., ‘Antiken der Sammlung W.W.’ in Boreas, 12, 1989, pp.231-248, no.20.
FootnotesThe basilisk, known from the Renaissance onwards as a cockatrice, was a Graeco-Roman mythical two-legged dragon or serpent-like creature with a cock's head. It had the reputed ability to kill people by either looking at them, touching them, or sometimes breathing on them. According to legend a cockatrice would die instantly upon hearing a rooster crow, and having a cockatrice looking at itself in a mirror was one of the few sure ways to kill it.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0116
Large Roman Bronze Basilisk
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
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Roman Redware Sherd with Constantinian Portraits
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Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
This terra sigillata fragment appears to have been part of a large tray, celebrating the imperial triumph of an early 4th century emperor, possibly Constantine or a member of his family such as Crispus. The combination of triumphal symbols (palms, quadriga, radiated crown) with imperial figures is typical of the tetrarchy and early Constantinian era, where elements of dying paganism were still used to celebrate imperial glory. Note the detailed late Roman clothing, with a closed chlamys-paludamentum on the right shoulder and, in the profile figure, a thorax with hemispherical shoulder protections. -
Roman Gold Ring with Gemstone Pair
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Bifid hoop expanding to ellipsoid cells, each with an inset garnet cloison, intaglio clasped-hands and chalice(?) motifs. 6.46 grams, 21.57 mm overall, 18.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)
Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Roman Bronze Panther Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
Comprising: a panther figure modelled sitting, semi-naturalistic detailing to the head and face, tail curled to one side of the body; fragmentary remains of the forequarters of a panther depicted in relief with stylised detailing; stylised panther figure modelled attacking, slightly curved profile, possibly a handle attachment. 97 grams total, 36-70 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.
