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LOT 0911
Late Roman Votive Lead Mirror Inscribed 'For the woman who loves her husband'
3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (35 grams, 10.3 cm).
Comprising a discoid plate with running scroll border, lentoid-section handle with raised teardrop decoration; applied central reflective disc with Greek inscription to the reverse: 'τῆς φιλάνδρου πάντα' translating to 'For the woman who loves her husband'; with original reflective glass in situ.
ProvenanceAcquired from Brigantia, York, UK, circa 2010.
Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Spasić Durić, D., Град Виминацијум-The city of Viminacium, (in Serbian), Pozarevac, 2015, fig.78, for similar; see also the same inscription on a lead mirror from Black Sea Region, in Из истории Северного Причерноморья в ант. эпоха (From the history of the Northern Black Sea region in the ancient era (in Russian), 1979, p.118,3.
FootnotesMany examples of this category from the Danube region were found in female graves, where they perhaps served as grave goods considered appropriate for their connection with general issues of fertility, good fortune, and beauty, or even as protective amulets. The inscriptions found on votive lead mirrors in Pannonia, published by Németh & Szabó, show female characteristics, and the beautiful female soul as an addressee. Since lead mirror frames have been found in this Roman province only in graves of women, it is probable that these miniature mirrors, filled with glass in their central hole, were expected to serve as ritual or magical tools to assist the souls of dead women in the afterlife.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0911
Late Roman Votive Lead Mirror Inscribed 'For the woman who loves her husband'
Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
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Roman Iron Medical Spatula
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
With tapering shank and broad lozengiform blade. 10.2 grams, 13.5 cm
Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Glass Jar
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Piriform in profile with flared neck and rolled rim, dimple base. 36 grams, 11.1 cm
Ex Helene Wackernagel-Wenk (1901-1979), Switzerland; thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
These small jars were used as storage vessels. Their typology shows similarities with some material from Northern Black Sea region as well as with other glass finds found in Eastern Mediterranean settlements due to the decreasing variety of forms starting from the Late Roman Period, with whom they have similarities in colour, shape and typology. Helene Wackernagel-Wenk was a distinguished collector of art and antiquities, celebrated for her refined taste and commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Her collection encompassed a wide range of artefacts, reflecting her deep appreciation for the artistic and historical significance of ancient civilizations. Known for her meticulous curation, Wackernagel-Wenk’s legacy endures through the exceptional pieces that once formed part of her esteemed collection. Artefacts associated with her name are highly valued for their provenance and quality. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Prancing Horse and Rider
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With broad shoulders and ellipsoid plaque, incuse profile horse and rider motif. 5.81 grams, 21.16 mm overall, 17.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2 , USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
