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LOT 0738
Roman Bronze Ladle with Loop Handle
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
9 in. (66 grams, 23 cm).
With deep bowl, integral square-section handle and loop finial. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection before 2000.
UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
Cf. Tassinari, S., La Vaisselle de Bronze, Romaine et Provinciale, au Musée des Antiquités Nationales, XXIXe supplément de Gallia, Paris, 1975, items 40-3, for similar ladles with animal-head finials; cf. also Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, pp.168-169, for similar specimens.
FootnotesThis type of ladle was used for libations of wine to the gods during sacrifices. The shape of the simpulum was that of a small cup, with a single elongated handle. The material of which it was made varied according to the wealth of the altar; there were specimens in silver; some were of brass and others made of wood or terracotta. This simpulum or simpuvium is often found depicted on Roman medals or coins, like a denarius of Augustus (2 B.C.-2 A.D.).
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Roman Silver Dolphin Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With detailing to the nose, fins, eye and tail; base with remains of pin lug and catchplate. 16.9 grams, 45 mm
From the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980. -
Roman Bronze Boar Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Modelled in the round with catch beneath the foreleg, hole for hinged pin beneath the hindleg. 11.2 grams, 31 mm
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. -
Romano-British Marble Head of a Lady
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Carved in the round with fleshy facial features, almond-shaped eyes and small pouting mouth; the hair modelled with hollowed curls above the brow; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.6 kg total, 17 cm high including stand
Found Cambridgeshire, UK. 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.
These kind of sculptures represented people or divinities of the Roman Britannia. They are found in several civilian tombstones, characterised by provincial style, that was enhanced by colouring which is absent today. The image here represented is a domina (a high-status middle-aged woman) in a typical hairstyle of 2nd-3rd century A.D. (Graham, 1984, p.222). In these provincial artworks the strong influence of the Celtic art is evident, especially in the eyes and hair of the sculpture.
