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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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Late Roman Bone Gaming Piece
Circa 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £6
A bone astragalus gaming piece with flattened base and upper face, from the game of 'knuckle bones'. 9.7 grams, 33 mm
Fine condition.
Ex UK art market, 1970s. Property of a London gentleman. -
Roman Gold Ring with Bird Gemstone
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
A slender gold finger ring with inset green glass intaglio of a perching bird. 2.00 grams. 14.97 mm overall, 13.23 mm internal diameter
Acquired at Auction. English private collection. -
Gallo-Roman Mercury Statuette
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
A bronze votive figure of Mercury modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist. 43 grams, 59 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.
Likely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows.
