Loading, please wait...
LOT 0141
Monumental Roman Marble Head of a Greek Philosopher, Probably Diogenes
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
23 5/8 in. (47.6 kg total, 60 cm including stand).
Carved in the round bust of a cynical, mature philosopher with short tousled hair and thick beard, exaggerated protruding eyes and gaunt facial features, the mouth modelled slightly open as if the subject is in pain; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenancePrivate collection, Paris, 1980s.
European private collection.
Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.237041.
Accompanied by an academic report by Professor Neritan Ceka.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12610-234690.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Bol, P. C. (Hrsg.), Forschungen zur Villa Albani, Katalog der sntiken Bildwerke, I, Berlin, 1988, Kat, nr. 55, pp.180-184; Richter, G. M. A., The portraits of the Greeks, II, 1965, p. 1065 ff.
FootnotesThe portrait head was initially meant to be assembled on a statue. Chisel marks at the neck level indicate a relatively late separation of the head from the body, which must have been twice its natural size. The working of the back of the head suggests that the sculpture was exposed only to the front.
The search for realistic traits brings this head close to the Hellenistic portraits of the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, representing socially disadvantaged people of different ages and situations, such as fishermen and peasants, in the so-called genre sculptures. This presentation would be in contrast to the supernatural proportions of the portrait, which should have represented an elderly, publicly known person, poet, or philosopher, exhibited in his city of origin. In this respect, it would be more suited to the representation of a Cynical philosopher, in the model of Diogenes of Villa Albani. The almond-shaped eyes without drilled pupils, engraved eyes, and the absence of a deep drilling technique on hair date the portrait between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD.
TimeLine 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 0141
Monumental Roman Marble Head of a Greek Philosopher, Probably Diogenes
Sold for (Inc. bp): £46,800
-
Roman Roof Tile with Legion XIIIG Stamp
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Terracotta fragment with impressed stamp '[...] XIIIIG' for Legio XIV Gemina. 345 grams, 14 cm
From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.
Legio XIV Gemina ("The Twinned Fourteenth Legion") was raised by Julius Caesar in 57 BC; its cognomen Gemina (Twinned) was added when it was merged with another legion after the Battle of Actium. It took part in the defeat of Boudicca in AD 61. -
Roman Glass Flask with Everted Spout
4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Piriform in profile in aqua glass with broad flared neck; applied trails to the neck, dimple base; areas of iridescence. 38 grams, 98 mm
From a London, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The flask is a common Late Roman type, especially diffused in Syria and Palestine. Hayes suggested that examples with straight necks are relatively early in date, while those with necks having a bulge at the top and are narrow below were produced slightly later. -
Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp Pair
Circa 5th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising: one slipper-shaped with raised hatching to the shoulder, sub handle; one piriform in plan with loop handle. 115 grams total, 90-95 mm
Ex Edinburgh private collection, early 2000s.