Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0139
Roman Bronze Figure of a Grotesque Warrior
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (227 grams total, 10 cm high including stand).
Modelled in the round figure of a hoplite with later pelta shield and corinthian helmet; the figure modelled nude with exaggerated muscles and genitals; mounted on a custom-made stand.
Provenance
Old private collection.
Anonymous sale, Delorme du Bocage, Paris, 31 March 2010.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12050-211847.
Literature
See Boucher, S., Recherches sur les Bronzes Figurés de Gaule Pré-Romaine et Romaine, Rome, 1976, p.188, for discussion of grotesque imagery in Roman figural sculpture.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0139
Roman Bronze Figure of a Grotesque Warrior
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Gold Ring with Cabochon
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Hollow-formed with inset glass cabochon. 2.26 grams, 21.59 mm overall, 16.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)
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. -
Romano-British Bronze Horse and Celtic Warrior Rider Statuette
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Two-part model comprising: galloping horse with fore-legs extended, detailed mane; rider wearing a crested helmet, cloak billowing to the rear, knee-length tunic with gathered waist, legs curved to the rear; mounted on a custom-made stand. 189 grams total, 92 mm including stand
Found UK. 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. -
Roman Gold Ring with Mani in Fede Gemstone for Aiax
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising a hollow-formed hoop with rounded shoulders, inset garnet intaglio with clasped hands and 'AIAX' inscription. 2.79 grams, 21.00 mm overall, 14.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2)
Acquired in Europe in 1992. with Million Cornette de Saint Cyr, Hotel Regina, 12 December 2009. European private collection.
The Romanised name 'Aiax' is given to the hero Αἴας of the Trojan war, who carried off the body of Achilles and fought Hector. The subject of two clasped hands (dextrarum junctio) symbolising the fides (loyalty, trust), was very popular on Roman rings and gems. It was mainly used on marriage rings, sometimes with the equivalent Greek inscription 'OMONOIA'. Sometimes it was used in terms of military loyalty between commander and army. In this case it is most probable the name of the groom (AIAX).