Roman Bronze Helmet Handle

Modelled in the round leaping and winged, his right hand reaching above his head seemingly gesturing to retrieve arrows from a quiver once carried on his back, dressed in an exomis tunic leaving him naked below the torso, wearing a helmet or cap and ankle boots. 403 grams, 16 cm high



Acquired in Europe before 1994. Private collection, Europe. 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 no.11808-206795.

Often the statues of puttos or amorini (small loves) depicting personifications of Eros were covered with gold leaf. This was a frequent practice and the figures, when represented with wings, were known as chrysopteroi, meaning 'with golden wings'.

Modelled nude with legs thrust forward, left arm forward from the body, right arm held to the rear with hand forming a fist, diadem to the brow; mounted on a custom-made stand. 71 grams total, 78 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.

Unlike the British Museum statuette, our figure is represented in the heroic nudity of the warrior on horseback, even if the position is identical. It is very likely that the statuette represents one of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, and perhaps it was part of a pair of twins on horseback.

Mounted in an old custom glazed presentation case with explanatory labels; found Inchtuthil, Scotland. 1.42 kg total, 38 x 29.2 cm



From the Roman legionary fortress Inchtuthil, Perthshire, 83-87 A.D. Private UK collection. Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.