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LOT 0739
Roman Bronze Horse Brooch
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (10.8 grams, 31 mm).
Modelled in the round, the neck with small engraved lines indicating mane, narrow body, short tail, the forelegs forming the pin’s catch. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
Cf. Hattatt, R., Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1643; a similar horse (with rider) in Melchart, W., Antike Kostbarkeiten aus Osterreichischem privatbesitz, Wien, 1997, fig.40.
FootnotesThe style of the animal is typical of the Pannonian area. It is different from similar fibulae in the western part of the empire, where there is more suggestion of movement. However, in general the head and body are modelled with realism, and the forelegs are acting as a wide flat catch-plate.
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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Roman and Later Bronze Ring Collection
1st-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Featuring a range of ring sizes and types; the majority with decorative bezels displaying floral, geometric, buckle and other designs, including one inscribed 'TIT /TIT' over two lines. 75 grams total, 16-30 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. -
Roman Bronze Seated Long-Haired Dog Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Modelled seated on its rump with forepaws before the body, head erect with gaping mouth exposing sharp teeth; detailing to the long coat and face. 31.5 grams, 39 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Geometric Floor Mosaic
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £8,450
Fragment or portion of floor mosaic, showing a composition of alternated patterns of different coloured squares in chequerboard pattern, combined in diagonal rows of light yellow, light blue, off-white, pink, red, light violet, again off-white, light grey, light grey, dark grey, off-white, light yellow (repeated two times) light blue and off-white shadows; on the lower part a red line is edging the composition over an off-white band. 82.5 kg, 156 cm wide including frame
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11822-207409.
The square-decorated mosaics had a strong presence in the Hispanic provinces, with some 1st century A.D. examples in the houses of Ampurias, up to the late imperial examples of the Villa of Palencia (archaeological site of La Tejada) where the main rooms show wall paintings with geometric, vegetal or decorations imitating marbles, and mosaics with simple geometric decorations alternating with elegant decorative motifs such as swastikas, chequered motifs or ropes, and Solomonic symbols. The chequerboard motif was widespread, and it is visible also in the 3rd-4rd century mosaic of the Roman Villa of Brading or in the house found under the Museum of Lincoln, in Britain.
