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LOT 0817
Roman Bronze Brooch
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (47.7 grams, 64 mm).
With three facetted knops to the crossbar, the upper one with beaded collar, and pierced moulding to the upper face, deep bow, stepped junction with foot, trapezoidal foot with ring-and-dot motifs and integral catch; hinged pin to reverse; Keller Type 4.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
Cf. Mackreth, D.F., Brooches in Late Iron Age and Roman Britain, Oxford, 2011, vol.2, pl.140, item 12576.
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 and Lead Artefact Group
Mainly 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Including a plano-convex and a biconvex lead weight two fibulae with coiled springs, and other items. 807 grams total, 15-44 mm
Ex Stocker collection, Kent, UK, 1955-early 2000s. -
Roman Bronze Peacock Statuette
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
With rounded body and small lateral wings, broad fanned tail with radiating lines and ring-and-dt motifs; mounted on a custom-made stand. 60.7 grams total, 75 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.
The peacock had a dual symbolism in the Graeco-Roman world. In the pagan world it was the symbol of the goddess Hera (Roman Juno) and represented her beauty and immortality. In the Roman-Christian world it became a symbol of the resurrection of Christ, owing to its yearly moult and regrowth of its spectacular feathers. -
Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Modelled standing nude, wearing the winged petasos and with a bag of coins in his extended right hand; mounted on a custom-made stand. 85 grams total, 10.2 cm 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.
This statuette of possible Gallo-Roman origin is part of a production of quickly cast votive bronzes, where the features of the body and face were barely highlighted. However, it presents very clearly the characteristic petasos with wings and the small bag, symbol of his protectorate over travellers, traders and thieves.
