Roman Bronze Battlefield Surgical Scalpels

Fragment of a terracotta votive statuette representing a ram, detail to the horns, ears and fleece; set with a suspension ring on the reverse. 50 grams, 77 mm wide



Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Many figurines of this type have been found in the Hellenised Roman provinces of the east and one identical in the Athenian Agora. They are all rendered with incisions that are characteristic of the technique of the late fourth century. Many similar examples were found in the Kerameikos and some are in the National Museum of Archaeology, Athens. A similar technique is observable in the handles representing animal heads which occur on red pottery ornamented with white paint.

A round intaglio with a standing eagle on a baseline with its wings spread and head turned left. 4.17 grams, 20 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Modelled in the round with kilt and lionskin mantle, standing with club resting on his shoulder, left hand concealed behind the body; mounted on a custom-made stand. 87 grams total, 55 mm including stand



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.