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LOT 0153
Roman Bronze Figure of Harpocrates, the God of Secrecy
1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (145 grams, 72 mm).
Modelled in the round, sitting with miniature double-crown, serpent arm-ring on left wrist, sidelock; fixing socket to right thigh.
ProvenancePrivate collection, Me. A., Florida, USA, early 1990s.
European private collection, acquired in Germany, September 2000.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12683-234609.
See Swan Hall, E., 'Harpocrates and Other Child Deities in Ancient Egyptian Sculpture' in Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, Vol. 14, 1977, pp.55-58, fig.1, pl.XXVII; fig.4, for full discussion.
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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LOT 0153
Roman Bronze Figure of Harpocrates, the God of Secrecy
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Sol in Quadriga
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Octagonal in plan with intaglio scene of Sol in his quadriga on a baseline; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.99 grams, 13.33 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 43 grams total, 16-23 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Light Brown Glass Bottle
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Mould-blown, comprising a flat-based tubular body and short neck with returned flange rim. 69 grams, 14.4 cm
From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s.