Roman Bronze Balsamarium Lid with Swan

Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, held held straight, standing on a rectangular base. 13.7 grams, 39 mm high



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

The oval stone engraved with an old man (a philosopher?) seated on a stone, wearing a low cap, half naked and with the cloak covering his leg; his right hand resting beside him, and his left hand raised in the act of speaking; a tree behind, inscription in Greek letters 'ψίω' (= eat). 1.01 grams, 13 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

A particularly recognisable representation in Graeco-Roman art was that of a male character, with a bald head and a slightly pointed beard, seated in profile on a simple seat or on a rock. It represents the philosopher, who often has his hand raised in the gesture of speaking or holds a volume in his hands, characterised according to the rules of cynicism, by the bare torso and the cloak that covers his legs. The inscription refers to the imperative to 'feed' on knowledge.

The bowl with a convex outer face and notched lip, decoratively waisted handle with addorsed duck heads to the apex of the suspension loop; base of bowl absent. 314 grams, 30 cm



Acquired in Europe before 1995.