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LOT 0663
Roman Bronze Bull Statuette
2ND CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (227 grams total, 86 mm high including stand).
Modelled in advancing pose with one foreleg raised and tail looped over onto the rump, head erect with suggestion of an ornamental plate or garland on the brow; mounted on a custom-made display stand. [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. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 242, for type; cf. similar statuette in the Leo Mildenberg collection in Kozloff, A.P., Animals in Ancient Art, from the Leo Mildenberg Collection, Mainz, 1981, no.62; various parallels can be found in the Cincinnati Art Museum (inv.1956.13), in Walters Art Gallery (inv.54.1565) and in the British Museum.
FootnotesAfter the Roman annexation of Egypt, Egyptian cults such as that of the Apis bull were syncretised, becoming part of a distinctively Egyptian form of Roman polytheism. Representations of prancing Apis bulls, turned either left or right, have been found throughout the Roman Empire.
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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Gallo-Roman Bronze Statuette of a Rider God
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Modelled in the round as a nude horseman with legs spread, musculature suggested to the chest and abdomen, shoulder-length hair with wavy locks, almond-shaped eyes and snub nose; right hand extended palm-upwards; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 154 grams total, 11 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.
The type has similarities with representations of Mercury on horseback, who is shown in an identical position. Images of Romano-Celtic rider-gods, possibly associated with the Roman god of war Mars, used similar iconography. There are a number of such rider statuettes from Roman Britain and Gaul, potentially votive offerings to a deity. -
Roman Bronze Patera with Maker's Mark for Licinius
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
With drum-shaped bowl and thick rim developing to a short handle with pierced lobe finial; stamped to the upper face of the handle with maker's name '[.]OIYBI'; to the underside of the base, pointillé legend 'LICINI[...]V'. 242 grams, 19.5 cm
Acquired from Munich and London, 1990s. From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12064-217904.
The owner of the patera seems to be a certain Licinius. In contrast to more elaborate counterparts, paterae such as this were likely carried as part of the standard kit of Roman soldiers, used as a general cooking and eating utensil. -
Roman Gilt Bronze Snake-Headed Bracelet
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Round-section shank and lozenge-shaped finials with serpent detailing. 24.6 grams, 74 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.
