Roman Bronze Lamp Holder Shaped as Arm

Likely representing Harpocrates, depicted frontally and wearing a draped full-length himation, the right arm raised and left arm bent at the elbow; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 7.55 kg total, 53.5 cm high including stand



Private collection, Hong Kong, acquired in the 1970s. Spanish art market. Acquired by the present owner from the above. 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 a search certificate number no.13040-248071.

The body of this statue was hollow-cast by the lost wax method; traces of solder within the arm sockets and around the neck indicate that the arms and head were cast separately. The position of the body and comparative images suggest the statue represents Harpocrates. Harpocrates, the son of Isis and Horus, was one of the most represented children, especially after the diffusion of his cult into the Roman Empire. He is usually depicted naked, but draped figures of the god were produced in the Hellenised east and spread throughout the Empire. Statues of Harpocrates were at the entrance of almost all temples, to indicate that in those places the gods should have been honoured with silence, or, according to Plutarch, men who had an imperfect knowledge of the divinity should only speak of it with respect.

Tongue-shaped openwork plate with knob finial and yellow enamel; pin, pin-lugs and catchplate to the reverse. 21.2 grams, 44 mm



Ex property of an Essex, UK, gentleman collector. From the private collection of a Colchester, UK, gentleman.

Inset amethyst intaglio of a stylised human standing on a baseline with his arm extended in front; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.73 grams, 12.81 mm overall, 9.85 mm internal diameter



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK.