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LOT 0119
Roman Bronze Harpocrates Statuette
3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (231 grams total, 12 cm high including stand).
Modelled nude in advancing pose with right arm bent across the body and fist clenched to support an attribute (absent); the facial details in light relief and small forelock to the brow; mounted on a custom-made display stand. [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.
See Swan Hall, E., 'Harpocrates and Other Child Deities in Ancient Egyptian Sculpture' in Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, Vol. 14, 1977, pp.55-58, fig.1, pl.XXVII; fig.4, pl.XXVIII, for similar types.
FootnotesThe cult of Harpocrates, began in Ptolemaic times, expanding considerably in the Imperial Roman period, and absorbing influences from the cult of ram of Mendes, the ithyphallic Min, the crocodile god Sobek, and Hercules. The missing left hand probably held a small cornucopia.
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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1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With flat base and central boss, flared rim, incised rings to the inner face. 142 grams, 83 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The function of Roman vessels is not always precise, as well as the separation between culinary forms and forms for domestic use, those of the kitchen and those of the table. Many bronzes belonged to table service (like perhaps this splendidly preserved example), others to objects of usual worship (patera) or washing, while basins, plates and crockery found their place above all in the kitchen. -
Late Roman Gilt Silver Buckle with Dragon Heads
5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising a trapezoid-section loop with running wave design and panther-mask terminals, tongue with ribbed oblong plaque and cut design; a rectangular plaque with extension to rear edge of two triangles and a semi-circle, decorated with bands of triangles, crescents, swirls and indented lines, extension with central gilt circle from which expands two triangular panels, filled with swirl design; rivet holes to the edge for attachment. 37.1 grams, 66 mm
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Roman Pale Blue Glass Unguentarium
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With piriform lower body, extended cylindrical neck and flange rim; iridescent surfaces. 25.4 grams, 12 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
