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LOT 0905
Roman Bronze Head of Mithras Weight
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (31.5 grams, 32 mm).
With Phrygian cap worn with the point pulled forward, hatching to the hair and beard. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Simmons Gallery, London, UK.
From a collection from North London, UK, 1990s.
See Bolla, M., Le misure dei Romani, Verona, 2017, pp.8-9, fig.12; Allason-Jones, L. & Miket, R., Catalogue of Small Finds from South Shields Roman Fort, Gloucester, 1984.
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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Stone Minerva Statuette House Altar
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Square-section with stepped base, gussetted collar and two parallel bars to the upper face; inscribed 'DEAE.MINERV[AE] / LVCIVS.PLAC[IDUS] / VITELLI.FIL[IVS].V[OTUM] / S[OLVIT].L[IBENS].M[ERITO]' (to the goddess Minerva, Lucius Plac[idus] son of Vitellius, discharges the vow freely, as is deserved); the inscription highlighted in crimson. 5.3 kg, 21.2 cm high
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.
Votive inscriptions follow a set pattern, since they were dedicated to a god or goddess to thank them for something they had done in response to a prayer. The person dedicating the stone would have previously promised to do this if the god answered their prayer. The formulation V.S.L.M. (votum solvit libens [or libenter] merito = in willing fulfilment of a vow) is attested for example at Bath, or on the Arae of the Hadrian's Wall. -
Roman Bronze Statuette of Priapus
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Modelled in the round, the god standing wearing a paenula, his two hands holding up the hem to support a pile of fruits on his erect penis; mounted on a custom-made stand. 116 grams total, 72 mm including stand
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. -
Roman Inked Wooden Legal Document
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With a recessed panel on one side and scored frame with securing holes close to both long sides; eleven lines of inked text in Roman cursive containing the record of a legal document in a formulaic legal language; two lines of cursive text to reverse; supplied with six monochrome photographs of the tablet displaying the text to advantage. 11 grams, 15 x 8.1 cm
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