Late Roman Bronze Decorated Tweezer Collection

Rectangular pendant with two loops on the upper edge with Greek inscriptions referring to the archangels, one side with the inscription 'PAΦAHΛ', (Raphael); the other side with reversed inscription reading 'ΓABPHIΛ' (Gabriel); repair to one loop. 4.97 grams, 27 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Modelled in the round figure standing in advancing pose with the right hand raised and fist clenched; left shoulder and arm covered with the skin of the Nemean lion and left hand modelled hollow; hair cut short and textured. 307 grams, 12 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. 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 a search certificate number no.12515-232159.

There were several cult sites of Hercules in Etruria and old Latium, particularly in the Sabellian region, and the bronze statuettes discovered here exhibit a wide range of styles. Etruscan bronzes of the half-god usually represent him with the lion skin draped over his arm (Metropolitan accession number 96.9.419).

Plano-convex type with central recess in upper face; coiled construction. 7.12 grams, 25 mm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A46.