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LOT 0876
Roman Bone Venus Statuette
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (4.9 grams, 40 mm).
Modelled in the round, Venus standing nude with hands raised to dress her hair; dorsal pillar pierced at shoulder height for suspension. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 78, for type; Ogden, J.M., Gold Jewellery in Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine Egypt,Durham, 1990, Vol.2, fig.13, for identical statuette in cast bronze.
FootnotesThe iconography of Venus Anadyomene was one of the most commonly used images of the goddess in classical sculpture, and was still popular during the late Roman Empire. The best example of this is the Louvre Venus Anadyomene (Ma 3537) of the 4th century A.D., found in the 19th century at Saint George de la Montagne near Bordeaux, inside a rich aristocratic house and coming from Aphrodisias, an ancient place of statuary production for export.
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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Roman Medical Implements and Schist Pallet
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Sub-rectangular pallet with ground socket to one face; two cosmetic or scribal spoons. 47 grams total, 7-12 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Wine Flagon
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With globular body, thick basal ring, tall columnar neck with biconical collar, single strap handle to the rear. 275 grams, 13.5 cm high
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Gold Ring with Apollo Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,100
With a solid ellipsoid hoop expanding at the shoulders from the mid 3rd century, with oval bezel set with a blue nicolo gemstone engraved with the figure of standing crowned god Apollo, depicted nude and holding a staff (or lyre?) in his raised right hand, gazing towards his raised left hand. 4.49 grams, 26.13 mm overall, 21.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
From the private collection of the late A.B., London, UK; acquired before 1989. 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.12005-213036.
The god’s body is depicted in three-quarter view, whereas the head is in full profile. The casual posture of the figure on the gemstone is taken from the common iconography of the god. Apollo is frequently portrayed in this fashion, although often leaning against a small column.
