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LOT 0694
Roman Bronze Germanic Bound Captive Mount
LATE 2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (24.3 grams, 37 mm).
Depicted as a bearded man, seated and naked apart from a hood or cap on his head, with rope binding the hands together and extending around the neck and ankles; ferrous stud to the back for attachment. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, items 1006,1010.
FootnotesStatuettes of barbarian prisoners of this type have been found especially along the Danube limes. Some have a vertical and others horizontal position, and were used as horse harnesses or parts of horse's bits. Their diffusion coincides with the Marcomannic wars of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
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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Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £60,000 - 80,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £27,778
With luxuriant long wavy hair and characteristic vertical locks at the forehead, full beard with two large ringlets below the chin, wearing a chiton and a himation draped over the left shoulder, the head surmounted by a corn modius decorated with olive branch in relief, the bust supported on the back of an eagle standing atop an orb with spread wings, the eagle with its head slightly turned to the left, the feathers finely detailed; a finial from a staff or a ceremonial standard. 1.4 kg, 29.5 cm high
Repaired.
Ex private collection, South Germany, 1980. with Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 13 December 2003, no.74. with Christie's, New York, 8 June 2012, no.239 (US $120,000-180,000). 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.11789-206489.
The Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.) modelled many of his portraits based on Serapis. But it was under Hadrian that the refurbishment of the statue in the Serapeum increased the demand for small-scale images, like this one, probably made during his reign and used atop of a processional sceptre or standard for the cult of the god. -
Roman Silver Ring with Bust Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
With broad tapering plaque, inset carnelian intaglio of a profile bust; intaglio repaired. 8.92 grams, 25.80 mm overall, 20.28 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/2, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. -
Romano-British 'Published' Bronze Gaming Counter
Circa 1st century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £293
Discoid in form with twelve impressed dots, two parallel lines and one perpendicular. 4.5 grams, 18 mm
Found Cirencester, UK, prior to 1999. Acquired 4 February 1999. From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.59. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Celtic & Roman Artefacts book pages where this object is published.
