Loading, please wait...
LOT 0629
Roman Bronze Laureate Bust of Bacchus
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (203 grams, 87 mm).
Comprising a bust with head turned slightly to the right, wearing a laurel wreath on the brow; hollow to reverse of chest and head cavity filled with lead; acanthus-leaf finial. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private Swiss collection of Hans Wiedemann, Biel/Bienne, since the 1990s.
Ex S.L. Antiquarian Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
Acquired from T.B.on the Swiss art market in Basel.
Swiss collection Basel-Landschaft.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The laurel wreath in ancient Rome held significant meaning and was a prominent symbol. Traditionally it was awarded to someone who was honoured or who had achieved something notable. It adorned the heads of formidable military leaders and notable poets as a representation of status, victory, and honour. Fashioned from the laurel plant, Romans believed it showcased divine protection, with roots linked to the prophecy of the Delphic Oracle.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Late Roman Bronze Bracelet
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Rectangular-section penannular body with tapering finials and linear decoration. 15.2 grams, 63 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Bronze Nail Cleaner and Tweezer Collection
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising: two pairs of tweezers; three nail cleaners, two with balustered finials. 10.3 grams total, 25-51 mm
Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, collector. From his private collection since the 1970s; thence by descent circa 2000. Ex private collection of a Bedfordshire gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Terracotta Figure of King Priam
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £936
A hollow-form figural group comprising an advancing old King Priam with his right arm raised, wearing a belted tunic and a diadem, hair arranged in orderly locks; behind him a smaller figure of a soldier wearing a plumed Pseudo-Attic helmet; the hand of the warrior is holding the old king; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 291 grams total, 18.5 cm high including stand
Private Swiss collection, 1971. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The scene probably represents the old King Priam's plea to Achilles' son, Neoptolemus, to spare his son Polites, whom the Greek warrior is about to kill. It is made in a strong classical style with precise costume details, such as the royal diadem, the long sleeved Phrygian-type tunic and the king's belt.