Roman Bronze Knee Brooch Collection

Second style painted in cream and red, some with decoration. 527 grams total, 6.7-11.8 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seems to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

Comprising a quantity of mixed beads, mainly oblate and cylindrical in form, including glass, modelled, faience and stone etc. 58.5 grams total, 1-14 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s.

The use of amber beads as amulets in the Roman world is well attested, even in Britain (series of bracelets have been found in late Roman graves at Cirencester and Colchester). The amber beads were associated with pierced coins, pierced dog’s teeth and a lunate pendant. Pliny said that amber was beneficial to infants ‘when attached to the body in the form of an amulet'.

The figure standing with her head turned slightly to the right, elegant hair falling to the shoulders in two long tresses; chiton draped around the left shoulder and sagging to expose the right breast; left hand holding a fold of the robe at her thigh, right hand slightly extended holding an apple; toes exposed beneath the fringe of her robe; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.17 kg total, 27.3 cm high including stand



European private collection, acquired 1980s, or before. Subsequently British private collection, acquired late 1990s from the previous. Acquired directly from the above by the current owner. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12052-210844.