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_900x900.jpg "Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis")
_200x200.jpg "Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis")
.jpg "Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis")
LOT 0111
Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
11 5/8 in. (1.4 kg, 29.5 cm high).
With luxuriant long wavy hair and characteristic vertical locks at the forehead, full beard with two large ringlets below the chin, wearing a chiton and a himation draped over the left shoulder, the head surmounted by a corn modius decorated with olive branch in relief, the bust supported on the back of an eagle standing atop an orb with spread wings, the eagle with its head slightly turned to the left, the feathers finely detailed; a finial from a staff or a ceremonial standard; repaired.
ProvenanceEx private collection, South Germany, 1980.
with Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 13 December 2003, no.74.
with Christie's, New York, 8 June 2012, no.239 (US $120,000-180,000).
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11789-206489.
Cf. a similar bust in the Virginia Museum of fine Arts, inventory no.98.23; another similar piece, but with the eagle upon the polos, in Mitten, D.G., Doeringer, S.F., Master Bronzes from the Classical World, Exhibition, Fogg Art Museum/City Museum of Saint Louis/Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1967-1968, no.217; for a bronze bust without eagle see the bust of Zeus Serapis in the Saint Louis Art Museum, inv. no. 69:1923.
FootnotesThe Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.) modelled many of his portraits based on Serapis. But it was under Hadrian that the refurbishment of the statue in the Serapeum increased the demand for small-scale images, like this one, probably made during his reign and used atop of a processional sceptre or standard for the cult of the god.
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 0111
Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis
Estimate £50,000 - 70,000€58,000 - 81,200 (for guidance only)$67,500 - 94,500 (for guidance only)
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Roman Mosaic Glass Fragment Collection
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising fragments from various different types of vessels, mostly polychrome mosaic glass, and examples with trails. 137 grams total, 7-60 mm
From the collection of Mr N.A., Brussels, 1970s. -
Roman Bronze Helmet Handle
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising a crescentic tapering shank with ribbed baluster to the centre; attachment points formed as wings with punched detailing. 65 grams, 92 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Many such handles are formed as a pair of opposed dolphins, whence the conventional name 'dolphin mounts'. They were attached to infantry helmets so that they could be carried when not in use, or slung from a strap. -
Roman Bronze Eagle Statuette
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Modelled standing with closed wings, head turned to the right, detailing to the plumage and head. 34.5 grams, 44 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
