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LOT 0665
Roman Bronze Bearded Grotesque Statuette
CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (8.72 grams, 27 mm).
Modelled standing nude with left hand covering the mouth and right hand on the buttocks. [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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Gold Ring with Kneeling Soldier Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
With flared shoulders and ellipsoid cell, inset carnelian intaglio warrior kneeling on a baseline, Pseudo-Corinthian-style helmet pushed back on the head, spear held in one hand the other touching his ankle. 4.73 grams, 17.88 mm overall, 15.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Acquired on the European art market in the 1990s. UK collection of a European gentleman.
The type is defined from Ruseva-Slokoska as Eastern Influence, widespread in the 2nd-3rd centuries A.D. The scene possibly alludes to the incident in the Trojan Cycle where Achilles is wounded by an arrow in his heel, the only portion of his body which was not impervious to injury. -
Roman Blue Glass Flask with Trail
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Piriform in profile with slight dimple to base, squat body, tubular neck with flared and rolled mouth; fine applied spiral trail from shoulder to base. 8 grams, 62 mm
From an important London, UK, collection, 1970-1990s. -
Roman Silver Horse Head Whorl Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
A swastika-shaped fibula with horse-head decoration, each head with punched ring-and-dot eye, a similar motif to the centre, catchplate and pin hinge to verso. 10.8 grams, 37 mm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.
In the 3rd century A.D., several examples of fibulae in the shape of four horses’ heads forming a swastika (type Almgren 232) seem to be related to the creation of the Illyrian cavalry corps in Roman army. Many examples of these military fibulae were found in ancient Roman Dacia (Romania), in Roman Illyricum and Moesia.
