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LOT 0691
Roman Bronze Bust of a Woman
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (140 grams, 60 mm).
Modelled in the round with stephane to the hair, crescent above, wearing a peplos dress with undertunic; mounting lug to reverse.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, XVIII supplément à ‘Gallia’, Paris, 1965, no.473, for similar.
FootnotesThe small bronze sculpture could represent the 'Night' (divinity), with the crescent moon on her head. It could have been an appliqué from a ceremonial chariot, or an appliqué for furniture or triclinium bed.
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 Bound Captive Toggle
Late 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £202
Depicted as a male seated and naked with rope binding the hands together; pierced vertically at the shoulders; probably a sliding mount for a thong or cord. 35 grams, 40 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
'The Kempsey' Roman Bronze Military Eagle Statuette
Circa 43-410 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Modelled in the round as a standing eagle with its wings spread, the overlapping wingtips covering the short tail; incised feather detailing to the body and wings, wide head with detailed eyes, remains of a military insignia (a victory wreath or fish?) held in its hooked beak; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 180 grams total, 76 mm high including stand
Found Kempsey, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.WAW-19C7C8. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Both Ovid and Plutarch place the inception of manipular ensigns with Romulus, where bundles (manipuli) of hay were tied to high poles which served as rallying points for units of the army. Eventually, icons of animals replaced these ensigns: the eagle, wolf, Minotaur, horse, and boar. In 107 B.C., Gaius Marius made sweeping military reforms and the Aquila became the sole standard of the legion, which according to (Pliny NH. 10.5.16) ‘By making the Aquila the standard for all legions improved unity and gave soldiers a symbol that expressed their attachment to an all-encompassing body, to which the soldiers’ loyalty could be directed’. Due to its place at the head of each legion, it became the emblem of the Roman legions, which enforced Roman rule in the provinces, giving the eagle its connotation of dominion. -
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Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Intaglio
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £450
Hollow-formed with inset ellipsoid intaglio figure of Abundantia standing with a cornucopia. 3.47 grams, 24.99 mm overall, 12.25 x 15.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E 1/2, USA 2 1/2, Europe 3, Japan 3)
Acquired by the current owner's family in the 1980s. with Christie’s, New York, Ancient Jewellery, 11 December 2003, no.397. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
