Loading, please wait...
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.
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.
LOT 0116
Large Roman Bronze Basilisk
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
-
.jpg)
Roman Gemstone with Scorpion
2nd-4th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Composed of an oval-shaped body, possibly sodalite, displaying an intaglio scorpion; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 0.82 grams, 15 mm
Acquired on the European art market in the late 1960s-early 1970s. -
Roman Silver Crossbow Brooch with Dedicatory Inscription
4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
Featuring rounded knops to the head, the bow with a dedicatory inscription in Latin letters 'VTER FELIX IURE VICTO'. 19.5 grams, 62 mm
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
The dedicatory inscription 'VTERE FELIX', 'use it with good luck' or 'with happiness' is often found on Roman military artefacts, like belt fittings, brooches, and armlets; but it is rarely accompanied by 'IURE VICTO' inscription ([being the] rightful winner). The inscription is typical of the late Roman military world, but it can also refer to people using the brooch in civil duties, these fibulae being ordinarily gifted to the militia armata and non armata. -
Roman Glass Bead Necklace
2nd-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £30
Composed mainly of opaque glass beads of various colours, together with a number of stone beads, and incorporating beads of various types; restrung. 20.5 grams, 77 cm long
Ex W.J. collection, 1990s.
