Roman Bronze Marriage Mirror with Facing Busts and Inscription

CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.

3 5/8 in. (130 grams, 91 mm).

Discoid in plan with a beaded rim and concentric rings; at the centre, two draped busts, a male and a female, with faint remains of inscription surrounding; the other side polished and tinned.

Provenance

UK private collection before 2000.
London collection, acquired on the UK art market.

Literature

Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, items 858,860, for type.

Footnotes

The image on the back of the mirror depicts an imperial couple from the 4th century. The type of diadem worn by the male figure, clad in a paludamentum and cuirass, and the man's profile suggest a depiction of Constantine and Fausta, or of Constantine and his mother Helena.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

LOT 0103