Roman Bronze Brooch Group

A restrung necklace comprising carinated carnelian beads interspersed with sheet-gold beads of plain and granulated types, two tapering round-section beads with collars and domed finials, a central gold polygonal pendant with eight concave sides, polished oval garnet cabochon at the centre, granulated collar around base, raised tear-shaped cell to each corner also with granulated border, alternately set with enamel and garnet cabochons, a single applied bead between each; modern hook-and-eye clasp. 39.16 grams, 53 cm



Acquired in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13124-246808.

His head turned slightly to the right, calm and idealised facial expression with heavy-lidded eyes defined by incised irises and drilled, crescent-shaped pupils, and a neatly trimmed beard; his wavy hair crowned by a Corinthian helmet, pushed back high on the forehead; wearing a cuirass decorated at the centre with a small gorgoneion, and a chlamys secured by a brooch on the left shoulder; mounted on a later variegated stone socle. 45.2 kg, 68.5 cm



European private collection, 18th century (based on the restoration techniques). Private collection, France, acquired on the Marseilles art market in the late 1960s. Sotheby's, London, 13th June 2016, no.18. UK collection, acquired from the above auction. Sotheby's, Ancient Marbles: Classical Sculpture and Works of Art, 3-9 July 2020, no.30. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Sotheby's 2016 catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13115-249591.

The sculpture has undergone both ancient and modern intervention. The back has been hollowed out in modern times, indicating that it was originally part of a tondo. Restoration is visible to the tip of the nose, the lower edges of the helmet’s cheek-pieces, and a small area of drapery. There is minor reworking to parts of the drapery folds and the brooch, as well as light retouching to the proper right corner of the lower lip and possibly the right side of the moustache. A small area of fill is also present on the restored nose of the helmet. In style, the bust belongs to the Late Antique tradition of ideal sculpture. The simplified facial features and distinctive eye treatment closely recall a comparable head in the Vatican, dated to the late 4th century AD. The military dress and iconography strongly suggest that the figure represents the Roman god Mars, comparable to known images of Mars Ultor. The Corinthian helmet, restored with a sculpted nose-guard, reflects an 18th-century restoration practice well attested in Roman collections, including examples from the Villa Albani.

Comprising a D-section hoop and a large, oval bezel with a reclining ibex facing left. 4.78 grams, 22.61 mm overall, 17.81 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



London, UK, art market, 1980s. Private collection, London, UK.