Roman Bronze Gryphon Lectus Foot

Matched pair of appliqués each a bust of the goddess Diana modelled in the round with hair dressed tight to the head, tunic and strap for a quiver passing over the right shoulder; the eyes formed oversize to accept silver inserts. 94 grams total, 60 mm each



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Comprising three lacquered porphyry slices of rectangular shape, cut on both faces and polished on one face; probably from recycled material mined in ancient Roman times between the 1st and 5th century A.D.; intended for use as inlay panels. 81 grams total, 5.8-12.2 cm



From Egypt. Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).

Mons Porphyrites (today Jabal Abu Dukhkhan) is the mountainous site of a group of ancient quarries in the Red Sea Hills of the inhospitable eastern desert in Egypt, a five day trip from the Nile during Roman times. They were discovered by Caius Cominus Leugas in 18 A.D., and during the Roman Empire the mines officially belonged to the emperor and were the only known source of the Imperial Porphyry, Mons Porphyrites. This dark purple stone was associated with royalty and used for prestigious sculpture and architecture. The location of the mines was lost some time in the 5th century, and rediscovered in the early 19th century. Excavations in the area have revealed the well-preserved quarries and the dwelling places of the quarry men, and also thousands of ostraca have been discovered containing messages that provide details of how the quarrying took place, and of how the highly skilled quarrymen ordered their food.

Modelled in the round with putto-like features, holding a nebris draped over his shoulders in the manner of Dionysus, with tousled hair and pointed ears; one foot absent; mounted on a custom-made stand. 316 grams total, 15 cm high including stand



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003. with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, 16-17 May 2002, no.305. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonham's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12052-217493.

The young satyr is covered by a nebris, a deer skin, similar to an aegis, originally worn as an item of clothing by hunters and subsequently attributed to Dionysus. Consequently, it was adopted by his followers in the processions and ceremonies held in his honour, during the liturgical celebrations of the Dionysia. It was commonly worn in the same way as an aegis, tying the two front legs over the right shoulder to allow the body of the skin to cover the wearer's left side (Ovid, Metamorphoses, VI, 593). In ancient works it is seen worn by characters of the Dionysian procession: Maenads, Bacchae, Satyrs, and Sileni.