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LOT 0136
Over Life-Size Gallo-Roman Limestone Head of an Athlete
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
13 3/4 in. (16.35 kg total, 35 cm including stand).
With short hair, cut and combed in regular lines, furrowed brow and wide deep-set eyes, small fleshy mouth, intense and powerful expression; weather-worn surface; mounted on a later 18th century stand.
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1930s.
From the family collection of Mr F. Morand, France.
From the M.J. collection, Wales, UK.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12070-217746.
Cf. Powell, T.G.E., The Art of Roman Gaul, London, 1961, fig.104.
FootnotesThe head shows a late Roman appearance in its features and hairstyle. The expression, the short thick neck and the style of the hair combined with the somewhat uncouth and forceful expression may indicate a local Gallo-Roman character.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0136
Over Life-Size Gallo-Roman Limestone Head of an Athlete
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
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Roman Oil Lamp with Leda and The Swan
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A Roman North African terracotta oil lamp with grooved ring handle; discus decorated with the mythological scene depicting Leda and the swan embracing. 77 grams, 10.3 cm
Dr Suzanne Gozlan, thence by descent. Suzanne Gozlan (1921-2022), a doctor of History and Archaeology, served as a professor at the Ecole Normale d'Instituteurs de Chartres and lectured at the University of Paris 4 Sorbonne. Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman.
In Greek mythology, Leda was the wife of King Tyndareus and queen of Sparta. According to the myth, Zeus, the king of the gods, was captivated by Leda's beauty and appeared before her in the form of a swan. He then either raped or seduced her and impregnated her. The same night, Leda slept with her husband who also impregnated her, as a result of these two unions she laid two eggs, each containing one set of twins. According to later Greek mythology Leda bore Helen (of Troy) and Polydeuces, children of Zeus, while at the same time bearing Castor and Clytemnestra, children of her husband. -
Life-Size Roman Marble Finger
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Modelled in the round with spur to the reverse of the first joint for attachment. 96 grams, 10 cm
Ex M. Cummings collection, Lincolnshire, UK, 1990s. -
Roman Rock Crystal Gaming Dice Pair
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising two miniature dice with annulet markings arranged 1:6, 2:4, 3:5. 0.95 grams total, 5-6 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.