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LOT 0957
Roman Agate Gemstone with Eagle
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.02 grams, 19 mm).
Intaglio of an eagle standing on a thunderbolt, flanked by a stylised palm tree, leafed branch, and the Greek letters (ΠA); supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired on the French art market.
Private collection, England.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Hand-Standing Acrobat
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
A statuette of an acrobat on a round, drum-shaped base, standing on his hands, body arching slightly and legs together; wearing a loin cloth and cap decorated with floral pattern; eyes inlaid with silver. 162 grams, 12 cm high
Ex property of a Surrey collector; acquired in the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13125-249637.
Acrobats in ancient Rome could perform at a number of venues; either in theatres, as 'gap fillers' between gladiatorial contests at the amphitheatre, at private parties or at impromptu street performances and fairs. A convivium was a dinner party with family, friends or associates. It was somewhat like a Greek symposium except that it was generally regarded as a chance to talk business or politics rather than philosophy and weighty matters. A commissatio was a wild drinking party. Prostitutes, jugglers, musicians, acrobats, actors and fire-eaters entertained guests at the banquets of wealthy Romans. From the descriptions given by Roman authors these banquets were lavish affairs with rose petals scattered on the floor, mechanical devices lowering acrobats and entertainers from the ceiling and slaves blew exotic scents into the room. The emperors also had special entertainment barges constructed on some of the ornamental lakes in the parks of Rome where acrobats entertained the guests. -
Roman Dark Amber Vessel with Trailing
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Of bulbous form, slender neck, decorated with polychrome swirling trails. 28 grams, 68 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. -
Roman Glass Flask with Everted Spout
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
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.
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.
