Roman Black Glass Bead Necklace String

With a portion of the upper pectoral muscles still visible, part of a cloak (chlamys) gathered on the left shoulder. 9.95 kg, 29 cm wide



From an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s. English private collection.

The original statue or bust represented an athletic type, probably a hero or a demigod, or the god of war, Ares. However, the presence of the cloak resting on the left shoulder could also recall statues of divinities, such as Zeus with his left arm raised, or Asklepios, or Hermes.

Square-section with stepped base, gussetted collar and two parallel bars to the upper face; inscribed 'DEAE.MINERV[AE] / LVCIVS.PLAC[IDUS] / VITELLI.FIL[IVS].V[OTUM] / S[OLVIT].L[IBENS].M[ERITO]' (to the goddess Minerva, Lucius Plac[idus] son of Vitellius, discharges the vow freely, as is deserved); the inscription highlighted in crimson. 5.3 kg, 21.2 cm high



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.

Votive inscriptions follow a set pattern, since they were dedicated to a god or goddess to thank them for something they had done in response to a prayer. The person dedicating the stone would have previously promised to do this if the god answered their prayer. The formulation V.S.L.M. (votum solvit libens [or libenter] merito = in willing fulfilment of a vow) is attested for example at Bath, or on the Arae of the Hadrian's Wall.

With three facetted onion-shaped knops to the headplate and pierced scrolls to the upper face, deep bow, rectangular footplate with chamfered sides and scroll detailing, hinged pin to reverse and catch to rear of footplate. 51.5 grams, 84 mm



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