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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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0583
Large Roman Bronze Mythical Cockerel-Headed Snake
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
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Roman Glass Cotton-Reel Type Bottle
1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
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Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Animal
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Composed of a D-section hoop with stepped shoulders and oval bezel displaying an animal, possibly a bird. 5.83 grams, 23.73 mm overall, 19.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s. -
Roman Bronze Scallop Shell Mount
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
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‘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.
