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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.
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:
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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 Yellow Glass Alabastron
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Globular body with slightly dimpled base, short neck, everted rim, applied pale green handles 66.2 grams, 10.1 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Coin and Limited Edition Framed Print
3rd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £33
The coin mounted on 22 carat gold foil, framed with an art print signed by the artist David McAllister, depicting scenes of Roman military activity; limited edition number 223/1150. 1.3 kg, 36.5 x 49 cm
Essex gallery, early 2000s.
David McAllister's exciting design is a 'one of a kind' work that portrays the might and riches of the Roman civilisation. This limited edition print is a celebration of the award winning artist's lifetime dedication to historical paintings of the ancient world. To enhance appreciation of this rare and historic work, each individual print is signed and numbered by the artist. -
Roman to Medieval Iron Artefact Group
Circa 1st-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising: a bell; fire steel; fish arrow point; tanged 'fork'; ram's head mount; together with other miscellaneous items. 368 grams total, 4.3-12.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
