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LOT 0160
Roman Bronze Figurine of Venus
CIRCA 50 A.D.
10 3/4 in. (1.17 kg total, 27.3 cm high including stand).
The figure standing with her head turned slightly to the right, elegant hair falling to the shoulders in two long tresses; chiton draped around the left shoulder and sagging to expose the right breast; left hand holding a fold of the robe at her thigh, right hand slightly extended holding an apple; toes exposed beneath the fringe of her robe; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEuropean private collection, acquired 1980s, or before.
Subsequently British private collection, acquired late 1990s from the previous.
Acquired directly from the above by the current owner.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12052-210844.
Cf. Boucher, S. & Tassinari, S., Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine a Lyon: Bronzes Antiques I. Inscriptions, Statuaire, Vaisselle, Lyon, 1976, items 65 (presenting an apple), 72 (cloth gathered in left hand).
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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Roman Gold Ring with Mani in Fede Gemstone for Aiax
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising a hollow-formed hoop with rounded shoulders, inset garnet intaglio with clasped hands and 'AIAX' inscription. 2.79 grams, 21.00 mm overall, 14.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2)
Acquired in Europe in 1992. with Million Cornette de Saint Cyr, Hotel Regina, 12 December 2009. European private collection.
The Romanised name 'Aiax' is given to the hero Αἴας of the Trojan war, who carried off the body of Achilles and fought Hector. The subject of two clasped hands (dextrarum junctio) symbolising the fides (loyalty, trust), was very popular on Roman rings and gems. It was mainly used on marriage rings, sometimes with the equivalent Greek inscription 'OMONOIA'. Sometimes it was used in terms of military loyalty between commander and army. In this case it is most probable the name of the groom (AIAX). -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Frontal Bust
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With brown slip, loop handle to the rear, the discus with a facing bust of a young woman within a concentric circle border; maker's mark 'LCΛPΓ' within tabula ansata-shaped stamp. 63 grams, 10.2 cm
Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.
The discus decorations of these lamps are various: Diana, Dioscuri, Sol and Luna, Africa, Lares, and griffin; portraits of Domitian, Hadrian, male head, bust of a young man, bust of a young woman (our specimen), bust of a bearded old man, fisherman, and an aulete; scorpion, boar, and lion with crocodile; etc. They were an African production and not less than seven worskshops have been individuated: M N O V I V, M N O V I V S T (our case) , M N O V I V S T I , I V N I A L E X I, C C O R V R S , E X F N A / LV C C E I O R V M . Here we can add LCAPIT (Lucius Capito). -
Roman Silver Ring with Profile Bust Gemstone
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With later inset stone intaglio of a profile helmetted bust. 2.95 grams, 21.16 mm overall, 16.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
Acquired between the 1960s-early 1990s. From an old UK private collector from Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Property of K.P., a Cornish lady collector, UK.
