Roman Bronze Dolphin Figure

Comprising four mould made lamps, one with ring handle with two shallow grooves on upper part, central filling-hole, small air hole in the lower part; one with volute lug handle, flat shoulder with a rounded outer ridge, flat-bottomed discus, central filling-hole, V-shaped channel between discus and nozzle, air hole above club; the other two with ring handles and grooves on upper and lower parts, shoulder with shallow pronounced relief, filling hole with air hole in front of the nozzle. 140 grams total, 67-82 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.

The lamps have connections with models of 1st-3rd centuries A.D., in particular with Bayley type A group i, Bussiere form D VII and D X 5.

Carved in the round and probably from a life-size statue or bust of philosopher; depicting an adult male with short tousled hair and a longer 'rim' of wavy tresses at the brow; short curly beard descending to the neck; broad brow with deep-set lentoid eyes; possibly Hadrian, repaired and weather-worn. 13.3 kg, 27 cm



By repute found near Hadrian's Wall, UK. From a collection acquired on the UK art market, circa 1999. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

This head of bearded man, from a statue or bust probably representing a philosopher, is very similar to the representation of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, and though not imperial, can be dated to his age. The bust produces a convincing illustration of how faithful subjects tried to resemble their contemporary Caesars. Although damaged and blackened by some fire or bad weather conditions, the bust of man is distinguished by its perfect execution and good craftmanship.

With later inset stone intaglio of a profile helmetted bust. 2.95 grams, 21.16 mm overall, 16.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



Acquired between the 1960s-early 1990s. From an old UK private collector from Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Property of K.P., a Cornish lady collector, UK.