Roman Bronze Ligula Medical Instrument

Modelled in the round with putto-like features, holding a nebris draped over his shoulders in the manner of Dionysus, with tousled hair and pointed ears; one foot absent; mounted on a custom-made stand. 316 grams total, 15 cm high including stand



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003. with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, 16-17 May 2002, no.305. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonham's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12052-217493.

The young satyr is covered by a nebris, a deer skin, similar to an aegis, originally worn as an item of clothing by hunters and subsequently attributed to Dionysus. Consequently, it was adopted by his followers in the processions and ceremonies held in his honour, during the liturgical celebrations of the Dionysia. It was commonly worn in the same way as an aegis, tying the two front legs over the right shoulder to allow the body of the skin to cover the wearer's left side (Ovid, Metamorphoses, VI, 593). In ancient works it is seen worn by characters of the Dionysian procession: Maenads, Bacchae, Satyrs, and Sileni.

Globular vessel with gusseted strap handle and trumpet-shaped mouth; accompanied by old collector's display label 'Roman Britain / Flagon / Fine buff ware 2nd. Cent. A.D. / Excavated 21/3/76. 15 metres S.W of / the Balkerne gate, Colchester / 3 metres below road surface'. 640 grams, 22.5 cm



Excavated near Balkerne Gate, Colchester, UK, on 21st March 1976, by R. McCluskey. From the collection of a late East Anglian teacher and antiquarian who retired to the Isle of Wight in Hampshire, UK. He amassed a large collection of objects between the 1960s-1980s. Accompanied by an old handwritten information card.

Comprising a discoid plaque and hinged S-curved pin to the reverse, the obverse with a millefiori glass insert. 5.61 grams, 24 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s.