Roman Bronze Dolphin Figure

With raised central boss and peripheral discs with red enamel alternating with openwork loops; the body with a double band of blue, white and red enamelling, separated by ropework bands; remains of pin hinge and catchplate to the reverse; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 61 grams total, 56 mm including stand



From a private New Jersey collection, 1960-1985. with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 8 March 2016, no.45. Private American collection, New York, USA.

A similar brooch is preserved in the Colchester Museum, and similarly decorated brooch discs are visible in the British Museum and have been found in Chesterholm, Vindolanda and Chepstow. It is a Roman provincial type used by military personnel and their families.

Seated nude wearing the double-crown and with his forefinger pressed to his lips; supporting a frond on his left arm; hollow to the underside. 48 grams, 56 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.

Harpokrates was the Greek interpretation of the Egyptian god Har-pa-khered (Horus the child), usually depicted as a small boy. Statues of Harpokrates are preserved in the Greco-Roman Museum of Alexandria (inv.25785), and at the Musei Capitolini, Rome (inv. Scu 646).

Comprising a crescent with applied granules to the finials, ribbed loop below with granule supporting a cluster of hollow-formed spheres. 0.76 grams, 17 mm



Acquired London, UK, 1980-2015. From the Abelita family collection.