Roman Bronze Ligula Medical Instrument

Each of low profile with stub nozzle and large filler hole. 122 grams total, 73-86 mm



From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK, 1990s.

The god standing nude on an ivy-leaf base in contrapposto pose with right arm extended and hand held palm-outwards; mantle pinned at the right shoulder and wrapped around the bent left arm; the head held erect with soft rounded facial features and luxuriant curls, diadem with radiating spikes representing beams of light; mounting stud to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 583 grams total, 17.5 cm including stand



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.

The cult of Helios-Apollo intensified in the third century A.D. and the adoration of Sol Invictus, with the radiate crown, was often linked to that of Mithras, the god of legions, whose symbol was the bull. Under Emperor Aurelian, the Sol Invictus became the main god, protector of Rome and the Roman state.

Second style, painted in red, blue and cream, one with leaf motifs. 622 grams total, 5.7-11.6 cm



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

These small fragments, showing similarities with fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels profiled with black lines representing highlight and shadow. The panels were probably framed by a green fillet. A couple of fragments show two fields in alternated red and blue.