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LOT 0813
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 - 3 in. (72 grams total, 63-75 mm).
Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surface decorated with engraved lines and dots. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
LiteratureCf. Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, pp.118-119, nos.125-126, for similar specimens.
FootnotesBracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.
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Roman and Later Artefact Group
1st-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Comprising complete and incomplete artefacts of various types from a range of time periods, including: chapes; buttons; pendants; keys; fitting and other items. many displaying decorative motifs. 464 grams total, 11-88 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Demeter Holding Ear of Corn
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
Set in a silver mount with beaded edge; the intaglio depicting Demeter draped, advancing left and holding ear of corns in her right hand. 2.21 grams, 19 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Demeter and Hecate were linked to the afterlife cult, so it is possible that the ring to which the bezel belonged was a funerary gift. Demeter (Ceres for the Romans) was the Greek goddess of the harvest, the cycle of life and death and sacred law. -
Roman Silver Cockerel Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £39
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, head turned to the left, standing on an irregular base. 2.15 grams, 14 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.
