Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0086
Roman Bronze Chariot Mount Pair with Eagle and Cobras
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5 1/8 - 5 3/8 in. (2.1 kg total, 13-13.7 cm).
Each protome composed of a gently tapering shallow octagonal body, the upper part formed as an eagle's head with semi-naturalistic hooked beak, eye and feather detailing, collar at the base of the neck decorated with crenelated borders; two upward curving arms terminating with stylised cobra heads; one with impact damage from a crash(?). [2]
Provenance
Private collection, Rosenheim, Germany, 1960s.
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 search certificate number no.11732-201194.
Literature
Cf. Boube-Piccot, C., Les bronzes antiques de Maroc, III, Les chars et l’attelage, Rabata, 1980, p.199, no.333, from Banasa; cf. Wenedikov, I., Le char thrace, Sofia, 1960, pp.153-201, pl.97, and Gudea, N., Porolissum. Un complex arheologic daco-roman la marginea de nord a Imperiului roman. II. Vama romana (monografie arheologica). Contributii la cunoasterea sistemului vamal din provinciile dacice, Cluj-Napoca, 1996, fig.31 (also Boube-Piccot, 1980, fig.10bis); a similar sheath had been found with the chariot of Nicomedia, and a similar, with open lateral rings showing serpents have been found in Thrace: three with a chariot from the tumulus of Doukhowa-Moghila, four with a cart from Ljubimec (Wenedikov, 1960, pl.55A, fig.190-192; p.40, no.150, pl.30, fig.107), four with the cart from Svilengrad, and a single isolated find has been discovered in the Burgos region.
Footnotes
These chariot fittings were usually elements surmounting the axle, a sort of sheath allowing the suspension from the body of the cart to the wagon box using belts. The chariot (currus) which these fittings adorned may have been used for transporting wealthy and aristocratic individuals, although most probably it was a tensa, i.e. a triumphal chariot or a ceremonial vehicle upon which images and symbols of divinities were placed.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0086
Roman Bronze Chariot Mount Pair with Eagle and Cobras
Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,110
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Ring with Sol Invictus
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Composed of a carinated hoop and oval bezel set with a glass intaglio crowned bust facing left. 3.72 grams, 21.78 mm overall, 18.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The portrait could be interpreted as wearing a radiated crown, thus an image of Sol Invictus, common in gems for rings of the 3rd century A.D., where the young face of the Sun-Helios is often visible in profile, looking to the left, with the radiate crown on his head. The cult of Sol Invictus was favoured by the Illyrian emperors and elevated in Rome by Aurelian to one of the premier divinities of the Empire. -
Roman Gold Ring with Gemstone Pair
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Bifid hoop expanding to ellipsoid cells, each with an inset garnet cloison, intaglio clasped-hands and chalice(?) motifs. 6.46 grams, 21.57 mm overall, 18.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)
Acquired on the German art market around 2000. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Military Monkey
4th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £444
Modelled seated on a polygonal base wearing a paenula, the right hand placed on the left shoulder, head tilted to one side, right hand placed on a stela or lantern. 23.9 grams, 34 mm
‘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.
The monkey is bearing a military sagum with cucullus and is holding beside him a squared lucerna. This representation can be a Roman military mascot or simply a grotesque. In 2001 in Spain, at Llivia, remains of Barbary apes with military belt buckles typically related to the late Roman period were discovered. The discovery of this type of belt buckle in a human grave would suggest that they were once a part of this army, so the fact that some were given to a Barbary ape means that the apes played a military role, for example, acted as targets to distract the enemy, or were used in type of a combat or for defence. Apes were also a very common form of pet in the Graeco-Roman world.
