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LOT 0751
Roman Bronze Eagle on Bull's Head Statuette
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (46.4 grams, 58 mm).
Comprising an altar with a severed head of a bull on the top and an eagle perching on it; hollow to the underside, four stub feet to the angles. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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 image of an eagle on the severed head of a bull was probably connected with the cult of Jupiter Dolichenus.
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 Gold Lunar Pendant with Bust of Diana
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Repoussé pendant with inverted crescent beneath a facing female mask, possibly Diana or Luna, loops above an below. 0.37 grams, 15 mm
Ex Abelita family collection. From an old UK collection. Ex London, UK, gallery, 2000s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information card. -
Large Roman Decorated Bronze Bow Brooch
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
P-shaped with wide bow and foot, hatched to the edges with ring-and-dot ornament to the centre of the bow, bar above to hold the sprung pin, foot returning to form the catchplate, the upper edge of which is hammered into a flat wire coiled around the bottom of the bow. 56 grams, 95 mm
Ex property of an Austrian private collector since the 1970s. -
Roman Bronze Punched Tabula Ansata Appliqué
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Rectangular plate with trapezoidal ends, pointillé decoration. 2.5 grams, 45 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
These tabulae ansatae with pointillé decoration were used for votive inscriptions to the gods, offered on the occasion of a vow made during a situation of danger or an invocation of help to the gods. They were often used in the military field. A particularly important example is the one found in Carnuntum dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus, offered by the centurion Titius Moderatus of the Legio XI Gemina.