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_900x900.jpg "Roman Bronze Figurine of Silenus")
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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:
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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)
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Large Roman Amber Glass Vessel
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
A large, roughly barrel-shaped amber glass vessel with rounded shoulder and base, slender neck and broad upwards-flaring rim with applied trails to the underside, applied sub-rectangular handle; iridescent surfaces; rim chipped. 188 grams, 19 cm high
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. -
Roman Bronze Hermes Figure
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A nude bronze figure of Hermes, modelled standing, holding a caduceus and a coin bag, wearing a winged petasos. 38.5 grams, 61 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. -
Roman Marble Head of a Germanic Warrior
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £15,000
A carved marble head of a Germanic tribesman, modelled naturalistically in the round, directing his gaze upwards left, the eyes with sculpted pupils originally decorated with stone insertions, his face framed by voluminous short curls swept up off the forehead, sideburns and a moustache. 5.6 kg, 21 cm
Two neck creases, but in general good condition.
Ex Mario Fumasoli (1901-1989) collection, Switzerland, acquired between 1940-1970; thence by descent. with Christie's London, 24th October 2013, lot 92. Private Swiss collection since 1998. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. 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.11583-198975.
The head was possibly part of a statue or from a relief representing barbarian prisoners or warriors, maybe a part of a monument commemorating the campaigns of Marcus Aurelius along the lower Danube, recorded in his famous column in Piazza Colonna, Rome.
