Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0164
Roman Bronze Harpokrates-Eros Statuette
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (48 grams, 56 mm).
Seated nude wearing the double-crown and with his forefinger pressed to his lips; supporting a frond on his left arm; hollow to the underside. [No Reserve]
Provenance
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.
Literature
Cf. similar item, standing, in the British Museum, London, under accession no.1896,0724.1.
Footnotes
Harpokrates was the Greek interpretation of the Egyptian god Har-pa-khered (Horus the child), usually depicted as a small boy. Statues of Harpokrates are preserved in the Greco-Roman Museum of Alexandria (inv.25785), and at the Musei Capitolini, Rome (inv. Scu 646).
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Horse Head Whorl Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Swastika-shaped fibula with horse-head decoration, each head with punched ring-and-dot eye, a similar motif to the centre. 16.7 grams, 45 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
In the 3rd century A.D., several examples of fibulae in the shape of four horses’ heads forming a swastika (type Almgren 232) seem to be related to the creation of the Illyrian cavalry corps in Roman army. Many examples of these military fibulae were found in ancient Roman Dacia (Romania), in Roman Illyricum and Moesia. -
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. -
Roman Bronze Ladle with Loop Handle
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With deep bowl, integral square-section handle and loop finial. 66 grams, 23 cm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
This type of ladle was used for libations of wine to the gods during sacrifices. The shape of the simpulum was that of a small cup, with a single elongated handle. The material of which it was made varied according to the wealth of the altar; there were specimens in silver; some were of brass and others made of wood or terracotta. This simpulum or simpuvium is often found depicted on Roman medals or coins, like a denarius of Augustus (2 B.C.-2 A.D.).
