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LOT 0690
Roman Bronze Figure of Aphrodite Holding a Severed Swan's Head
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
7 5/8 in. (327 grams, 19.5 cm).
Modelled in the round nude and and raising her right arm, holding the neck of the swan (her animal attribute); left arm descending towards her pubis, legs in contrapposto stance; gusseted drum-shaped base; repaired.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection since the late 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12099-218223.
Cf. Boucher, S. & Tassinari, S., Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine a Lyon: Bronzes Antiques I. Inscriptions, Statuaire, Vaisselle, Lyon, 1976, item 66, for type.
FootnotesAlthough the presence of the swan in this position is rather rare, iconographically, this image is part of the abundant series of statuettes of Aphrodite/Venus widely distributed during the Roman Imperial era.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0690
Roman Bronze Figure of Aphrodite Holding a Severed Swan's Head
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
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Roman Bronze ROMA Brooch
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Discoid body formed as an openwork monogram 'ROMA' in capitals, the M and A ligated, the O formed by the brooch frame itself; pin-lug and catch to reverse. 11.75 grams, 34 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Banded Agate 'Eye' Pendant Inlay
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Conical in section with flat top; repaired. 10.6 grams, 33 mm
Acquired by the previous owner, 1970s. Private collection, England. -
Roman Brancaster Type Bronze Ring with Bird
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Slender D-section hoop with raised knops flanking the rectangular bezel with a standing bird motif. 3.49 grams, 20.89 mm overall, 16.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The 'Brancaster' type ring was a product of the late 4th to early 5th centuries. Although no exact parallel for the engraved design could be found, the design depicts mythical animals. A late Roman finger ring from Havering, Essex, exhibits an engraved glass gem depicting Bellerophon slaying the chimaera.