Loading, please wait...
LOT 0690
Roman Bronze Head of Minerva
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (44.4 grams, 44 mm).
Modelled in the round wearing a crested helmet, with detailing to hair and face; hollow interior. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEuropean art market before 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Ex collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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.
-
Roman Asclepius Bust Mount
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
The bust of the god Asclepius (Greek Asklepios), dressed in chiton (tunic) and chlamys (cloak), attachment still preserved. 48 grams, 53 mm
Vey fine condition.
From a home counties collection, formed 1970-1980. -
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A phallic amulet with loop to the rear. 6.53 grams, 25 mm
Found near Bainton, East Riding of Yorkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.YORYM-051F22. -
.jpg)
Stone Corbel with Severed Head of a Gallo-Roman
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Statue or frieze fragment with male head modelled in the half-round; circular face with large almond-shaped eyes, heavy brow, thick tousled hair framing the face, drooping moustache and short beard; presented at an oblique angle to the lower face of the block; two mounting holes to the underside. 22.8 kg, 43 cm
Found in Norfolk, UK. Acquired from Michael Booth, 1998. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The angle of the face in respect of the block suggests that the head is both tilted and detached, i.e. that it is a tête coupé or severed head. The practice of headhunting is documented among the natives of both Gaul and Britain (and elsewhere) in the Iron Age. The head is then considered to have special powers to avert evil and promote fertility, cure disease and provide other benefits. This is the case with the carved head - a male mask with copious hair and beard - from the Roman baths at Bath, Somerset (the ancient Aquae Sulis) which was a site of worship long before the arrival of a Roman presence in the area (Ross, p.91). The head takes on the character of a deity and is believed to respond favourably to prayer.
