Loading, please wait...
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:
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.
-
Roman Sardonyx Snake Gemstone in Medieval Gold Ring
4th-5th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £845
The tapering gemstone with attractive brown and white banding, intaglio motif of a rearing serpent flanking reversed letters T and C, the body coiled and forming an infinity sign; set in an eastern medieval gold ring with a keeled hollow-form hoop of heavy construction, and applied stepped bezel. 12.73 grams, 31.46 mm overall, 18.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P , USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Private collection, USA. From the Alexander Gallery, New York, USA, in the early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12107-214337.
The image on the gemstone can refer to a simplified representation of the radiant serpent-god Chnoubis, invoked to cure stomach ache and heartburn. According to the Greek physician Galen, when worn as an amulet, it benefitted the stomach and the oesophagus. -
Roman Bronze Bust of Mars Appliqué
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Formed as a helmetted bust, possibly representing the god Mars (Greek Ares), with iron spike to the rear. 43 grams, 43 mm
Ex property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1980. -
Romano-British Enamelled Bronze Lid of a Pyxis
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Hexagonal in plan with fastening holes, a band of cobalt blue enamelled spirals around the central aperture, interspersed with floral motifs, all enclosed within a scalloped border. 43.9 grams, 64 mm
Acquired 1980s-1990s. Private collection of H. N., Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK.
Scholars have been able to establish the extent to which the manufacture of glass for enamel production was standardised through the Roman Empire during the 1st to 4th centuries. Enamels were probably fused from primary raw materials in specific production centres, one of which has been located in the Gallo-Roman villa of Anthee, France. The decoration with its undulating tendril and pellets in contrasting enamel is influenced by La Tène design of the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.
