Mixed Group of Objects

With knop finial, pierced disc and floral detailing. 4.03 grams, 77 mm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Female bust modelled in the round with hair centre-parted and dressed in ringlets gathered at the nape of the neck and extending to the shoulders; mounted on a socle base. 22.1 kg, 46 cm



Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12303-215648.

This portrait is directly inspired by a Roman model (fig. 1) discovered in 1880, now housed at the Museo Nazionale Romano in Rome and believed to depict Minatia Polla. The young woman depicted showcases the refined features characteristic of Roman feminine nobility, with a rounded oval face, large hemmed eyes, a long nose, and a well-defined, slightly open mouth. Her low forehead is adorned with a sophisticated hairstyle: long, soft locks separated by a middle parting that end in curls, with a few delicate strands falling over her shoulders. She wears a dress with subtle pleats and a round neckline. Upon comparing our portrait with the Roman original of Minatia Polla, it becomes evident that this piece is an exact neoclassical copy of the ancient portrait. The only notable difference is the more pronounced fullness under the chin in our version, which is less evident in the antique model. From the 18th century and throughout the neoclassical era, significant archaeological discoveries sparked immense interest and enthusiasm (as evidenced by Winckelmann), compelling contemporary sculptors to engage with ancient works to showcase their talents. The portrait presented here, given the delicacy of the features and the overall quality of the sculpture, is unmistakably the work of a master sculptor.

Comprising: a single-edged peasant iron dagger with reconstructed wooden handle; a Tudor iron knife with scale tang handle and a decorative pommel; an early type of iron fork (pricker) with reconstructed wooden handle. 633 grams total, knife: 14.5-42.5 cm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Knives with long wide blades would have been used at table for carving meat, but in difficult times they could be a proper weapon in the hand of common people. The practice to carrying knives for everyday use continued for many centuries.