Roman and Other Bead Necklace

A square plaque from a casket or votive panel with the embossed image of the Muse Terpsichore, dressed in a short sleeved tunica talaris, standing with the weight on the right leg, the other leg bent in front of the body, the right hand holding a lyre hanging from a strap, in the left hand a staff; inscription in late Latin beside the right part of the head reading 'TEPSECORE'; the figure framed with an embossed edge; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 41 grams total, 10.6 cm high including stand

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1970s. Ex London collection.

The plaque probably came from a casket similar to the one of Carnuntum, which represent the images of the Muses on one side and biblical scenes to the other side. These scenes were popular motifs in Late Antiquity, where caskets with Christian and mythological images were widespread, especially in Pannonia.

A marble head of a lady or a goddess from a statuette, carved in the round with semi-naturalistic facial features and dressed hair with fillet; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 477 grams total, 12 cm high



London art market, 1988.

The head could represent a late Aphrodite, when compared with heads of the goddess of small late Roman statuettes. In these examples, like here, the goddess’ face is typical of idealised late-mythological statuary, with heavy eyelids, pronounced brow ridges, small lips and a soft jaw.

A bronze drapery fragment modelling the folds of the fabric in relief, presumably once forming part of a larger statue; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.1 kg total, 42.2 cm high including stand



Acquired 1980s-early 1990s. Ex private German collection. English private collection.