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LOT 1139
Roman Black Stone Intaglio with Standing Figure of Mercury
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (1.56 grams, 10 mm).
Plano-convex in section with incuse figure in profile holding a staff. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureSee similar image of Mercury in Provincia di Venezia, Piccolo mondo antico, la collezione glittica torcellana (Small Ancient World, the glyptic collection from Torcello, in Italian), Venezia, 2014, p.12.
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:
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LOT 1139
Roman Black Stone Intaglio with Standing Figure of Mercury
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Roman Military Bronze Horse Harness Plates
Circa 3rd century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising: a broad flat-section tongue-shaped panel with incised linear detailing and punched-points, rows of domed rivets, openwork slots and other shapes; a hole at the apex with strap junction, small attachment panel to reverse; rectangular end-plate similarly decorated with articulating slots to one edge to accept a securing pin. 100 grams total, 9-14 cm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK
The strap harness, probably destined for the muzzle of the horse, or maybe part of a belt, belongs to forms of fittings for straps and belts of the Roman era found in the Danish bogs. Almost all feature attachments on the reverse side to secure the strap. Some bronze examples were decorated, on the front, with mosaic and enamel, inserted in the openwork perforations. These elements, judging by their form and craftsmanship, are of Romano-barbaric origin. -
Roman Marble Torso of 'Weary' Hercules
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £40,000 - 60,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £20,000
Finely carved torso of a youthful male, retaining exceptional anatomical definition, depicted in a relaxed contrapposto with the weight borne on the right leg and the pelt of an animal skin draped over the left shoulder; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 28.7 kg total, 65 cm including stand
Anderson collection, before 1987. Private collection, Australia, 2003. Pierre Bergé & Associés, 15 October 2005, no.191 (€55,000 - €60,000). Accompanied by a printed copy of the Spanish cultural export licence no.1775-3178156. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Pierre Bergé & Associés catalogue pages. Accompanied by copies of a letter from The Art Loss Register confirming the piece has been checked on their Database of stolen works of art, 5 September 2000. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13457-260918.
The model reflects the Roman adaptation of established Greek prototypes, demonstrating both fidelity to classical forms and the Roman penchant for idealised physicality imbued with heroic identity. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Gods
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Broad hollow-formed body with rounded shoulder and stub nozzle, lug handle to rear; low-relief frieze with naked Harpocrates beside a facing toga-clad figure and Maenad with thyrsus. 122 grams, 12.5 cm
From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.
