Roman and Byzantine Bronze Ring Group

Modelled in the round reclining with weight on the left arm, left leg drawn up, head turned. 26 grams, 37 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.

Modelled in the round, comprising the lower torso and the goat-legs in vigorous motion, the left raised and bent, right leg straight with the genitals leaning against the length of the thigh, stub of the tail to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.4 kg total, 16.5 cm high (24 cm high including stand)



From the collection of Jan Onderdijk, Belgium, before 1980. Acquired by Mr J.R. an antiquarian in the late 1980s. 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 search certificate number no.12022-213655.

Statues of satyrs, relaxing, dancing, and pursuing nymphs proliferated during the third century B.C., as the cult of Dionysus, god of wine and the pleasures it bestows, grew in importance. The Romans appreciated portrayals of Satyrs and Silens, and borrowed them from Greek art, the god Pan being one of the favourite subjects. This statuette is probably a Roman copy from a Hellenistic original, similar to the specimen from the Garimberti collection, where the god, with the left leg firmly planted on the ground and the other leg raised, is carrying a basket of flowers and fruit on his back.

Modelled with naturalistic features, gazing left, sculpted pupils and strong lids; luxuriant beard and moustache framing the face; strong forehead with tightly formed curls emerging from beneath the lion's skin hood; the hood with clear eye detailing and the mane with regularly arranged tufts; original iron pin to the front of the muzzle; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 8 kg total, 28.5 cm including stand



Private Germany collection, 1981. with Gorny and Mosch, 19 June 2013, no.3. Ex A.S.collection, Florida, USA. 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 search certificate number no.12085-214457.

The head is a Roman copy of a Hellenistic original, of ‘Palazzo Pitti/Wilton House’ type depicting Hercules wearing the skin of the Nemean lion with the paws of the lion crossed upon the breast, his left arm holding the club and the right hand holding the golden apples of Hesperides. The representation of a slight movement of the head also shows elements of the Lysippean Antalya-Borghese type (example from the Archaeological Museum of Naples with the head covered by the Nemean lion skin).