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LOT 0780
Roman Bronze Bird Statuette Group
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 - 1 1/2 in. (42 grams total, 27-39 mm).
Group of three figures modelled in the round comprising: game bird (beak absent); goose with peg to underside and pierced tail; duck. [3, 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. Durham, E., Metal Figurines in Roman Britain, vol. 2, Reading, 2010, pl.314 (goose).
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 Bronze Statuette Head of Mercury
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Wearing a broad-brimmed petasos with wings above, curls of hair beneath, youthful features. 41 grams, 31 mm
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.
Mercury was the god of trade and industry, whose principle shrine in the city of Rome was at the Circus Maximus. Originally he was one of the gods of riches and profit and it was not until he was equated with the Greek Hermes that he became the god of tradesmen and merchants. He was also the god of thieves and was associated with healing mainly in Gaul where he had a number of important temples connected to sacred springs.
