Roman Bone Mount and Bead

The discus with two opposing gladiators, one holding a round shield, loop handle to the rear. 47 grams, 98 mm



From the collection of a Cambridge, UK, gentleman, by direct descent from his father, who acquired the items in London in circa 1960.

Depicted as lar and modelled nude in a standing pose with the right hand resting on the handle of his club, left arms supporting the lionskin mantle; hair cut short and beard textured. 715 grams, 15.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market, 1990s. Private collection, New York, USA. 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 search certificate number no.13295-255447.

The position of the statuette, belonging to the typology of ‘resting’ Hercules, is unconventional, probably belonging to a more archaic period prototype (Reinach, 1897, p.211,7). By the late 300s or early 200s B.C., the depiction of Hercules wearing the lion's skin over his head had fallen out of favour in Greek art. A worshipper probably placed this statuette in a sanctuary as an offering to the deity, or in his house as a symbol of protection. The majority of small Hercules statuettes are ex-votos, and the donors were possibly herdsmen, considering his function as protector of the flocks. Statuettes of the god found in provinces like Gallia, Britannia, or Pannonia might have appealed to Italic soldiers serving further north and could easily have been carried with them on campaign.

Modelled nude and standing on a pedestal, holding a caduceus in his outstretched left hand and wearing a winged hat. 53.7 grams, 88 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.