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 Green Glass Melon Bead Collection
Late 1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £130
Including variously sized beads, many with iridescent surfaces. 91 grams total, 9-18 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Late Roman Silver-Gilt Triangular Belt Mount with Lions
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
The borders with spiral motifs and running lions, a hole in each corner for fastening pins. 8.97 grams, 60 mm
Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
By the second half of the 4th century, broad Roman military belts were decorated with chip-carved mounts and plates. The fittings were realised by punching or by chip carving different patterns and motifs. -
Roman Bronze Standing Dog Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £139
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, standing with tail curled. 30.6 grams, 41 mm high
‘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.
