Loading, please wait...
LOT 0583
Large Roman Bronze Mythical Cockerel-Headed Snake
4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (260 grams, 88 mm).
The upper body, neck and head of a mythical basilisk, 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 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 basilisk would die instantly upon hearing a rooster crow or looking at itself in a mirror.
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 0583
Large Roman Bronze Mythical Cockerel-Headed Snake
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Bronze Hare Plate Brooch
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
With silvered finish, legs extended and head reversed, pin-lug and catch to the reverse. 6.9 grams, 31 mm
Ex DRG Coins and Antiquities, Essex, UK. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. -
Roman and Byzantine Bronze and Silver Ring Group
1st century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising finger rings of various types and sizes, most with bezels with decorative motifs, including: a cross with pellet in each quarter; an inscribed panel with dashes and X motifs; a hatched oval; raised flower head; spiraling oval and a feathered cross, together with other enigmatic designs. 32 grams total, 15-25 mm
From the Sullivan family collection, UK; acquired since 2003. -
Danubian Lead Votive Plaque with Helen of Troy
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising a figural scene in relief composed of a mounted rider (Dioscuros) advancing left towards the figure of Helen of Troy, a worshipper behind his horse and another beneath it in the attitude of submission; the sun and the moon above. 91 grams, 83 mm
Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
The image of Sol Invictus assumed a great importance in the Danubian cult: the frequent representation of the celestial gods on the plaques is paralleled by their representation on monuments of other mystery cults, particularly the cult of Mithras. The image of a Dioscuros on horseback is linked to that of the Danubian rider.
