Loading, please wait...
LOT 0617
Late Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Duck Head Handle
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (143 grams, 87 mm).
Hollow-formed slipper-shaped oil lamp with central filler hole and short nozzle, basal ring; the handle formed as a duck's head with open beak.
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market, 1989-1995.
with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003.
Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.
Cf. for the type (but with different handle) Gökalp, Z.D., ‘Some examples of Byzantine bronze lamps in Turkish Museums’ in Actes du 1er Congres International d’etudes sur le Luminaire Antique (Nyon-Geneve, 29.IX-4.X.2003), Monographies Instrumentum 31, (2005), pp. 69-71, figs.3-4-5-6, pl.30.
FootnotesThe lamp belongs to the category of lamps with flattened spherical bodies, that have a certain number of variations in their nozzle, handle, lid and base designs. The most common form, like here, is that in which the body is heightened towards the front to form the nozzle. Many examples have oyster shell shaped lids which are connected to the body with hinges.
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.
-
Roman Marble Portrait Head of Gaius Caesar
Augustan, circa 5 B.C.-1 A.D.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £16,667
Modelled in the round probably using Parian marble, head of a youth depicted turning slightly to his left, hair trimmed in the Julian style; believed to be of Gaius Iulius Caesar Vipsanianus (20 B.C.- 4 A.D.); mounted on a custom-made stand. 17.4 kg total, 48 cm high including stand
Acquired on the London art market in the 1970s by the previous owner’s late father. with Christie’s London, 25 April 2007, no.260. UK private collection, London. Anonymous sale, Bonhams, London, 16 April 2015, no.130. 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.163499-10061.
Gaius Caesar (20 B.C.-4 A.D.) and his brother Lucius Caesar (17 B.C.-2 A.D.) held significant positions in the political and dynastic plans of Emperor Augustus. Born to Augustus' daughter Julia and his advisor Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, they were adopted by Augustus in 17 B.C. to become his heirs, since he lacked natural-born sons. Portraits of the brothers depicted them as resembling Augustus, indicating their importance within the imperial family. Gaius' portraits were classified into five types, with this head identified as Type IV, likely created in 1 A.D. to celebrate his consulship. A similar portrait of Gaius exists in Corinth alongside his brother and Augustus. In 1 B.C., Gaius was appointed to govern the eastern provinces, where he successfully negotiated a peace treaty with Parthia's King Phraates V. However, tragedy struck when Gaius fell ill in Anatolia and died at 23, following the death of his brother Lucius. These deaths disrupted Augustus' plans for succession and led him to adopt Tiberius, his stepson, who eventually became emperor in 14 A.D. -
Romano-British 'Lympne Castle Roman Fort' Terracotta Tile with Roman Dog Pawprints
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Substantial tegula with pawprints from a dog; with old collector's note. 3.28 kg, 23.5 x 24 cm
Found Lympne Castle, Kent, UK. From the collection of a late East Anglian teacher and antiquarian who retired to the Isle of Wight, UK. He amassed a large collection of objects between the 1960s-1980s. Accompanied by an original old collection display card.
Lympne Castle was built close to the former Roman fort of Portus Lemanis, incorporating curated elements from the ruins of the fort. The Roman structure formed part of the Litus Saxonicum ('Saxon Shore') a series of coastal fortifications erected in the 3rd century to deter raiding from the coastlands across the North sea. -
Roman and Other Mixed Glass Bead Group
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £91
Including spherical, annular and other types including some 'trade wind beads'. 140 grams total, 1-9 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.