Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus")
_900x900.jpg "Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus")
.jpg "Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus")
.jpg "Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus")
LOT 0098
Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (2 3/4 in.) (104 grams, 65 mm high (127 grams total, 71 mm high including stand)).
A bronze figure of Silenus standing nude with vine-leaf wreath on the brow, muscular physique, dressed beard and stern facial expression, holding a bunch of grapes in the left hand; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
ProvenancePrivate Swiss collection, acquired 2001.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11621-199008.
Cf. similar item in the British Museum, London, under accession number 1824,0411.6.
FootnotesSilenus was closely associated with the Dionysian cult. He was a deity associated with the forest, wine, drunkenness, the treading-dance of the wine press an orgiastic ritual. Whilst intoxicated, Silenus was belied to possess the power of prophecy. He helped raise the god Dionysus, son of Zeus, after he was entrusted to him by Hermes. Once, whilst travelling with Dionysus through Phrygia, Silenus was captured by king Midas who treated his captive hospitably. As a reward, Dionysus granted the king his famous 'golden touch'. The sacred animal of Silenus is the donkey, the mode of transport he often used according to Greek mythology.
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:
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 0098
Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus
Estimate £3,500 - 4,500€4,060 - 5,220 (for guidance only)$4,730 - 6,080 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Decorated Bracelet
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A copper-alloy penannular bracelet with rounded terminals, decorated with incised and pierced geometric motifs comprising alternating panels of five piercings with dotted roundels to each, vertical bands creating rectangular panels, populated with pricked dot arches and waves. 23.9 grams, 59 mm
Acquired since the 1970s. Ex property of an Austrian private collector. -
Roman Silver-Gilt Military Belt Plate with Hercules Killing the Nemean Lion
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
A silver-gilt strap tongue from military belt, rectangular shape with soldered bead on the back, a repoussé work representing Hercules, naked and covered only by a mantle, killing the Nemean lion, a palm of victory under the feet of the hero, a dog attacking the lion from above, foliage around the scene. 18.5 grams, 53 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The belt fitting finds parallels with parts of belt from Asia Minor, today at the British Museum, inv. EC 252-254. These kind of plates, decorative and engraved with classical scenes, can be dated possibly to the age of Theodosius I. The quality of decoration can support the thesis of their belonging to officers of the Comitatus (the Imperial mobile army). -
Roman Asclepius Gemstone in Gold Ring
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
A carnelian intaglio of Asclepius in a loosely draped himation with serpent coiled around his forearm, probably Asclepius the Greek god of healing; set into a later gold ring. 4.99 grams, 23.32 mm overall, 16.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
Ex private East Coast, USA, collection. with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 21 February 2017. English private collection. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Artemis Gallery, dated 21 February 2017.
Asclepius was the Graeco-Roman god of medicine, healing, prophecy and a son of Apollo and Coronis. He had two daughters with Epione, the goddess of soothing- Hygeia (goddess of health) and Panacea (goddess of healing). As a child, Asclepius was given to the centaur Chiron, who raised him in the ways of the healing arts. During his training, Asclepius healed a snake, which in turn granted him secret knowledge. Asclepius became such a proficient healer that he discovered a way to resurrect the dead, for which Zeus had him killed, in order to maintain the balance of life on Earth, placing him on the night sky under the constellation of the Ophiuchus (the snake holder).
