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LOT 0686
Late Roman Bronze Ring with Warrior
280-400 A.D.
3/4 in. (5.19 grams, 20.44 mm overall, 15.11 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)).
Comprising a D-section hoop with notched shoulders, a raised circular bezel with a stylised warrior. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. similar ring in PAS, BERK-51ECCF.
FootnotesThe small copper alloy Roman finger ring seems to be of Guiraud Type 4f (similar to Henig Type II) and dates from the 3rd to early 5th century A.D. The size of the ring suggests it may have been worn on the end of the finger, but most probably used by a child.
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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Roman Marble Helmetted and Cuirassed Bust of Mars, the God of War
Late 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £32,000
His head turned slightly to the right, calm and idealised facial expression with heavy-lidded eyes defined by incised irises and drilled, crescent-shaped pupils, and a neatly trimmed beard; his wavy hair crowned by a Corinthian helmet, pushed back high on the forehead; wearing a cuirass decorated at the centre with a small gorgoneion, and a chlamys secured by a brooch on the left shoulder; mounted on a later variegated stone socle. 45.2 kg, 68.5 cm
European private collection, 18th century (based on the restoration techniques). Private collection, France, acquired on the Marseilles art market in the late 1960s. Sotheby's, London, 13th June 2016, no.18. UK collection, acquired from the above auction. Sotheby's, Ancient Marbles: Classical Sculpture and Works of Art, 3-9 July 2020, no.30. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Sotheby's 2016 catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13115-249591.
The sculpture has undergone both ancient and modern intervention. The back has been hollowed out in modern times, indicating that it was originally part of a tondo. Restoration is visible to the tip of the nose, the lower edges of the helmet’s cheek-pieces, and a small area of drapery. There is minor reworking to parts of the drapery folds and the brooch, as well as light retouching to the proper right corner of the lower lip and possibly the right side of the moustache. A small area of fill is also present on the restored nose of the helmet. In style, the bust belongs to the Late Antique tradition of ideal sculpture. The simplified facial features and distinctive eye treatment closely recall a comparable head in the Vatican, dated to the late 4th century AD. The military dress and iconography strongly suggest that the figure represents the Roman god Mars, comparable to known images of Mars Ultor. The Corinthian helmet, restored with a sculpted nose-guard, reflects an 18th-century restoration practice well attested in Roman collections, including examples from the Villa Albani. -
Roman Glass Flask
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising a barrel-shaped body with a dimpled base, short tubular neck and an everted rim. 33 grams, 72 mm
From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s. -
Roman and Later Hardstone Gemstone Collection
2nd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
Including profile bust, standing warrior and other types; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 13.02 grams total, 10-20 mm
Private collection, England.
