Loading, please wait...
LOT 0155
Roman Bronze Hand Holding a Parazonium
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
12 7/8 in. (1.97 kg total, 32.6 cm high including stand).
Fragment from a hollow-formed monument comprising a left hand holding the base of a cross fleury with hexagonal cross-section; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceEx Arthur Richter (1925-2018), California, USA.
Private collection, England.
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.13084-249671.
Cf. Olcina Doménech M. H., El báculo y la espada: sobre un fragmento de escultura monumental romana de bronce de "Lucentum", Museo Arqueológico de Alicante - MARQ, Alicante, 2007, figs.3.1,3.5,3.17.3.43, 3.46.348 for similar.
FootnotesHere, the hand of what was once a colossal statue of a general or emperor brandishes an object that may be a cross, or the hilt of a commander's sword (parazonium). These monumental bronzes belong to the late period of the Empire, when the image of the victorious emperor or general was intended as propaganda demonstrating military strength, despite the Empire being surrounded by external enemies and devastated by internal strife.
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 Gemstone Collection
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £380 - 480 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £210
Including profile bust, advancing lion, two fish and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.9 grams total, 9-13 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
One of the rings, representing a seahorse with a trident swimming beside a dolphin, could be connected with the Legio X Fretensis, whose symbol was Neptune and the dolphin, adopted after the battle of Actium. -
Roman Bone Die
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Cuboid type with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 5.07 grams, 14 mm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Portrait Gemstone of Venus
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Hoop with broad shoulders and inset carnelian wheel cut intaglio with portrait bust of Venus. 5.22 grams, 22.85 mm overall, 17.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
From a London, UK, private collection since the early 2000s.
