Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Roman Bronze Goddess Applique")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Bronze Goddess Applique")
.jpg "Roman Bronze Goddess Applique")
LOT 0123
Roman Bronze Goddess Applique
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
8 1/4 in. (3.66 kg total, 20.5 cm including stand).
The goddess Tyche or Cybele with a facing female bust wearing a mural crown, braided hair cascading to the sides, high-relief lenticular eyes, and small slit mouth, two iron fixing rivets; the lower part with detailed necklace of pendants, catena decorative chain, lateral braids, ferrous fixture; old collector's label 'BR.APP.064' to verso; repaired and mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenancePrivate collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 69, for type, referred to as Isis-Venus; for Cybele with a mural crown see Reinach, S., Repertoire de la statuarie Grecque et Romaine, Paris, 1930, p.369; see also Metropolitan Museum of Art inventory no.47.100.40, for a bronze statuette of Tyche with mural crown.
FootnotesThe crown that characterises the bronze applique (corona muralis = wall crown) was a military decoration using symbolism from the Hellenistic age. Often associated with Tyche (Fortuna), the crown was also an attribute of the goddess Cybele, particularly when made of wood. However, the presence of a necklace similar to a late Roman statuette of Tyche at the Metropolitan Museum of Art seems to point more to the first identification. This bronze applique was probably used as decoration for a chariot used in a procession for the goddess, or as a furniture decoration.
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.
-
Roman Bronze Dagger Amulet
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Pugio modelled in the round with piercing for attachment. 3.9 grams, 28 mm
From the collection of C. Sullivan, 1990s. -
Romano-British 'Published' Bronze Knuckle Bones Gaming Dice
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Square in section with pyramidal ends, impressed spots disposed on the flat faces: 1, 3, 6, 9. 5.9 grams, 15 mm
Found UK prior to 2000. From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.54. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Celtic & Roman Artefacts book pages where this object is published. -
Roman Bronze Silenus Statuette Casket Fitting
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Standing wearing a hide skirt held up with rope, lion's claw foot below. arched bracket to rear. 124 grams, 63 mm
From 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.
