Loading, please wait...
LOT 0131
Life-Size Roman Bearded Head of the Greek God Hermes
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
20 1/2 in. (32.2 kg total, 52 cm high including stand).
With densely curled hair, stern facial expression beneath a broad brow, luxuriant curled beard falling in waves and cut square at the lower edge, a Roman copy after a 5th century B.C. Greek original; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
Provenancewith Chaucer Fine Arts Ltd, 1980s.
English private collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Marina Mattei and Dr Laura Maria Vigna.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11615-199747.
Cf. Capuis L., Alkamenes, Fonti storiche e archeologiche, Firenze, 1968, p.48 ss.; Traversari G., Sculture del V-IV secolo a.C. del Museo Archeologico di Venezia, Venezia, 1973, pp.20-23, n.5; Faedo L., in Camposanto Monumentale di Pisa, Le Antichità II, a cura di Salvatore Settis, pp.158-162, n.76; Bonanome, D., in Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Le Collezioni, a cura di Carlo Gasparri e Rita Paris, Milano, 2013, p.269, n.194; Giobbe, C., in Palazzo Altemps, Le Collezioni, p.50; Gagliano, E., Hermes Propylaios (e le Charites) sull’Acropoli di Atene in Annuario della Scuola Archeologica di Atene e delle Missioni Italiane in Oriente, vol. XCII, Serie III, 14, 2014, pp.33-68.
FootnotesThis belongs to a type of archaic sculpture which can be traced back to the original ‘Hermes Propylaios’ by the Attic sculptor Alkamenes, a pupil of Phidias, active in the second half of the 5th century B.C. According to some theories, such depictions of Hermes (Hermae) were created for the Propylaea of the Acropolis of Athens, Hermes being the patron deity of doors and entrances. According to others, this type of bearded Hermes was located within the Acropolis as a devotional figure.
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.
LOT 0131
Life-Size Roman Bearded Head of the Greek God Hermes
Sold for (Inc. bp): £33,800
-
Roman Tall Glass Flask
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Iridescent square-section vessel with dimpled sides, tall neck and everted rim; mounted on a custom-made stand. 33 grams, 20.5 cm
From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s. -
.jpg)
Eastern Roman Gold Ring with Duck Gemstone
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Comprising a flat-section hoop and a raised rectangular bezel, the tapering bezel set with a garnet intaglio engraved with a standing duck; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.85 grams, 23.13 mm overall, 18.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)
Private English collection. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12940-245981. -
Roman Bronze Miniature Herm Statuette
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
With stepped domed base, the shank square in section and tapering with helmetted head, stub arms, chevron hatching to the chest and male genitals. 33 grams, 56 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
