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LOT 0859
Roman Bronze Laying Panther Statuette
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (25 grams, 38 mm).
Modelled in the round laying flat on its side with forelegs extended; low-relief collar to the neck. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
Cf. Durham, E., Metal Figurines in Roman Britain, vol. 2, Reading, 2010, pl.297, for type.
FootnotesThe presence of the collar suggests that the model represents a panther used in the gladiatorial animal-fighting games.
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:
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Large Roman Bronze Staff Finial with Bust of Serapis
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £60,000 - 80,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £27,778
With luxuriant long wavy hair and characteristic vertical locks at the forehead, full beard with two large ringlets below the chin, wearing a chiton and a himation draped over the left shoulder, the head surmounted by a corn modius decorated with olive branch in relief, the bust supported on the back of an eagle standing atop an orb with spread wings, the eagle with its head slightly turned to the left, the feathers finely detailed; a finial from a staff or a ceremonial standard. 1.4 kg, 29.5 cm high
Repaired.
Ex private collection, South Germany, 1980. with Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 13 December 2003, no.74. with Christie's, New York, 8 June 2012, no.239 (US $120,000-180,000). 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 search certificate number no.11789-206489.
The Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.) modelled many of his portraits based on Serapis. But it was under Hadrian that the refurbishment of the statue in the Serapeum increased the demand for small-scale images, like this one, probably made during his reign and used atop of a processional sceptre or standard for the cult of the god. -
Eastern Roman Bronze Head of a Bull
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
With pecked fur texture to the neck, cheeks and dewlap; slightly indented reverse. 13.7 grams, 21 mm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. -
Roman Gold Ring with Pair of Birds on Nicolo Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £800
With a hollow-form hoop expanding at the shoulders, raised bezel set with a dark blue nicolo intaglio engraved with a pair of birds, one standing and the other stooped to pick something from the ground with its beak. 5.75 grams, 25.12 mm overall, 14.69 x 18.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
From the collection of late AB, London, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.
The type of ring (type II, variant I of Ruseva-Slokoska classification) is characterised by the ellipsoid hoop, rounded on the outside, widening to a horizontal triangular shape. The nicolo was often employed in rings of the 2nd-3rd century A.D.
