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LOT 0728
Roman Bronze Double-Headed Beast Statuette
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (18.9 grams, 43 mm).
Modelled in the round, a mythical two-headed animal, with hole through the centre for attachment.
Provenance‘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.
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 Carnelian Gemstone with Horse and Cavalry Man
3rd-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
The rounded intaglio with a horseman, helmetted or wearing a causia, with flying cloak, riding towards left. 0.27 grams, 9 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
The cap (kausia) was typical of Hellenistic military dress and had been worn by cavalrymen since Alexander’s campaigns of the 4th century BC. The gemstone could represent an Italic cavalrymen, a socius (ally) of the Roman army. Another possibility is that the gemstone follows Etruscan influence, like the example in the British Museum, accession no. 1872,0604.156. The kausia cap had also its metallic counterpart, worn by the Tarentine cavalrymen of the Hellenistic period. -
Roman Decorated Glass Necklace Bead Group
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Composed of opaque black glass beads of various types, including examples displaying white and polychrome motifs. 43 grams total, 6-15 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Roman Gemstone with Goddess Demeter
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
On burnt sard or carnelian, the goddess fully draped, seated on a throne without a back and holding out wheat ears in her hand over what seems like a small conical altar with horns. 1.40 grams, 18 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Ceres was a goddess of agriculture, maternal relationships and fertility, and represents transition, motherhood and nurture. She was also the only one of ancient Rome's agricultural deities to be listed amongst the Dii Consentes, the Roman equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology.
