Loading, please wait...
LOT 0560
Roman and Later Bronze Artefact Group
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
3/4 - 1 1/2 in. (94 grams total, 18-40 mm).
Comprising various figures and mounts including: a sheep, a fly, a peacock, an anthropomorphic head, a mount with a lying feline and a crouching figure. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
Cf. Durham, E., Metal Figurines in Roman Britain, University of Reading PhD thesis, 2010, item 287 (horse from Spalding, Lincolnshire).
FootnotesIn the art of late antiquity and early Christianity, during the Christian Middle Ages to the present, peacock held a prominent place, not only as a decorative motif, but also as a distinctive emblematic and symbolic sign. Its image was usually combined with a kantharos or a tree of life. Individually or in pairs, it was usually represented on places which were the ones closest to the holiest part of churches (altar’s parapet wall panels). Votive statuettes were brought in the church by the believers.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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.
-
Roman Burnt Carnelian Gemstone with Mars and Minerva
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £444
The oval intaglio with Mars Ultor and Minerva facing each other; Mars to the left with a spear in raised left hand, armed with helmet, armour and sword, his right hand resting on the shield beside him; Minerva to the right, wearing a helmet, shield and aegis. 0.87 grams, 14 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Mars Ultor and Minerva were both linked with Roman war imagery. Mars represented military power, the strength of the army and violence in battle, Minerva strategy, tactics and intelligence in war. All these qualities were complementary and necessary to win the war. The gemstone was probably a gift for a soldier. -
Roman Baked Clay Slingshot Group
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Comprising three lentoid-section glandes. 167 grams total, 50-65 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.
The trio finds parallels with examples unearthed at Ham Hill, Somerset, UK. The sling (funda) with its lead missiles (plumbea pondera) was used by special funditores, illustrated on Trajan’s Column where they are simply dressed in broad tunics with no armour, but carry a shield. Their cloak, or sagulum acted as an ammunition bag. The effectiveness of the slingers was unquestionable and much appreciated, especially against elephants. Celsus, writing towards the end of the 2nd century A.D., described how a slingshot wound was more dangerous and harder to treat than one inflicted by an arrow. -
Roman Bronze Prone Lion Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, lying prone with paws forward. 44.5 grams, 42 mm long
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
