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LOT 0670
Roman Bronze Figural Pendant
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (3 3/4 in.) (56 grams, 61 mm (80 grams total, 96 mm including stand)).
Amuletic bust of a bare-chested youth with abundant hair and prominent torc to the neck, suspension loop above; usage wear; mounted on a custom-made stand. [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.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 326, for type.
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 Bronze Statuette of the Three-Headed Guardian Dog Cerberus
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Modelled in the round with three heads facing in different directions, and with a pair of snakes wound round the body as a harness; mounted on a custom-made stand. 77 grams total, 63 mm including stand
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.
In Greek mythology, Cerberus, often referred to as the hound of Hades, was a multi-headed dog that guarded the gates of the Underworld to prevent the dead from leaving. His figure is linked to the myth of Orpheus, the only one who managed to tame him with his songs, and to the myth of Hercules, the only one who managed to capture him. -
Roman Bronze Traveller Statuette
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Hollow-formed figure wearing a paenula and with hands extended to support a patera or salver; mounted on a custom-made stand. 35.8 grams total, 64 mm including stand
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. -
Large Roman Bronze Chariot Fitting with Imago Clipeata of a Priest of Mithras
Late 3rd-early 4th century A.D.Estimate: £25,000 - 35,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £12,500
Representing a facing bust of a mature man with his head turned slightly to the right; short hair and a full, neatly trimmed beard, furrowed brow and strong eyebrows, deep-set eyes with heavy eyelids, eyes marked with pupils; dressed in a short-sleeved tunic draped around the neck and wearing a conical cap, holding an egg in his left hand; pierced through the surrounding roundel; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.8 kg total, 24.5 cm including stand
J.J. Klejman, New York, 1963. with Gallery Six, New York, 1991. with Christie's, New York, 11 December 2014, no.156 ($50,000-$70,000). Private collection, London. 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.12361-226874.
In the Mithraic cult the egg is a symbol of eternal time, and associated with the birth of god Mithras. The cult of Mithras, the god of the legions, whose symbol was the Sol Invictus, was popular during the 3rd century and in Tetrarchic Age. The chariot which this fitting adorned possibly wouldn't have been used in war, but in triumphal and religious processions, or simply for transport of priests.