Roman Bronze Horse Head Protome

Modelled with naturalistic detailing with signs of attachment. 13.7 grams, 26 mm high



‘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.

Comprising four flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 68 grams total, 61-71 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.

With facetted shoulders, D-shaped cell enclosing a carved Medusa bust modelled in the round. 5.83 grams, 22.07 mm overall, 17.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



From the collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11863-207049.