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LOT 0695
Roman Bronze Lion Statuette
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (78 grams, 54 mm).
With detailed textured curls to the mane, standing with one foreleg resting on a sphere. [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.290, for type.
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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Roman Silver Armilla Snake Bracelet
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With broad D-section shank and lobe terminals with snake-head detailing, incised lines and pointillé crosses to the neck, pointillé eyes. 17.7 grams, 60 mm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s. -
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Roman Bronze Ring with Sol Gemstone
Circa 1st century B.C.-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
With inset carnelian cloison, intaglio Sol standing with whip. 5.17 grams, 20.88 mm overall, 17.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Erotic Scene
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Squat burnished pottery lamp with stub nozzle, high-relief scene of two lovers on a couch; maker's mark 'LMVNSVC' to the underside. 64 grams, 95 mm
From the collection of French archaeologist Suzanne Gozlan (1921-2022).
The lamp belongs to the Bailey type B group ii (Loeschke type IV), usually dated from Tiberian to Trajanic times. Erotic lamps were particularly popular before the Christianisation of the Roman Empire. Roman sexuality differed considerably from later Christian European attitudes. Roman religion promoted sexuality as one of the fundamental aspects of prosperity for the entire state; individuals could turn to private religious practice, or even magic, to improve their erotic life or health and reproductive capacity; moreover, prostitution in ancient Rome was legal, public and widespread. Artistic subjects that today we would define without hesitation as pornography, were present among the art collections of the most respectable and high status Roman families.
