Roman and Other Bead Collection

Sheet bronze appliqué with lateral tabs pierced for attachment, pointillé legend 'T[I] V LE[GIO] / MACE / DO [NICA]' translating to: Titus, member of the Legio V Macedonica. 5.56 grams, 54 mm



Ex British private collection, acquired 1980s. with Art Ancient, 2016. Property of a North London collector.

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, as appliques to indicate the ownership of the weapons. 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. In our case the inscription could refer to a certain Titus, member of the Legio V Macedonica.

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. 16.35 kg total, 35 cm including stand



Acquired 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.

The 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.

Tall and with a narrow base, two sturdy ribbed strap handles and a conical neck with a stepped profile; restored. 7.8 kg, 69 cm



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.