Roman and Byzantine Bronze Ring Group

Rectangular plate with trapezoidal ends, pointillé decoration. 2.5 grams, 45 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

These tabulae ansatae with pointillé decoration were used for votive inscriptions to the gods, offered on the occasion of a vow made during a situation of danger or an invocation of help to the gods. They were often used in the military field. A particularly important example is the one found in Carnuntum dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus, offered by the centurion Titius Moderatus of the Legio XI Gemina.

The figure standing with her head turned slightly to the right, elegant hair falling to the shoulders in two long tresses; chiton draped around the left shoulder and sagging to expose the right breast; left hand holding a fold of the robe at her thigh, right hand slightly extended holding an apple; toes exposed beneath the fringe of her robe; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.17 kg total, 27.3 cm high including stand



European private collection, acquired 1980s, or before. Subsequently British private collection, acquired late 1990s from the previous. Acquired directly from the above by the current owner. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12052-210844.

Formed as a standing horse, the hindlegs forming crossbar, tail forming hinged pin, forelegs forming catchplate; ring-and-dot motifs to shoulders, linear detailing to the mane. 11.8 grams, 35 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.