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LOT 0889
Roman Bronze Mars Rider Statuette
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (35.6 grams, 60 mm).
Modelled in the round, nude male with legs in straddling pose, left hand thrust forward and right arm raised with hand open; head exaggerated with shoulder-length hair and crested helmet. [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. Boucher, S., Recherches sur les Bronzes Figurés de Gaule Pré-Romaine et Romaine, Rome, 1976, item 354, for type; Mackintosh, M., The Divine Horseman in the Art of the Western Roman Empire,The Open University, 1991, fig.7, bronze rider from Brigstock.
FootnotesThe pseudo-Corinthian or Apulo-Corinthian helmet, here represented on the head of the divinity, was originally a legionary helmet, then became, in the Late Consular Age, an officer's helmet, then a typical attribute of military commanders and then of the war god, Mars. However, this statuette of Mars has strong Celtic connotations, as evidenced by the torques around the neck and the warrior god's hair.
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 Bronze Hound Statuette
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Modelled in the round in advancing pose with head lowered and mouth open, low-relief collar to the neck; mounted on a custom-made stand. 80 grams total, 52 mm 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. -
Gallo-Roman Bronze Rider Statuette
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Modelled nude with legs thrust forward, left arm forward from the body, right arm held to the rear with hand forming a fist, diadem to the brow; mounted on a custom-made stand. 71 grams total, 78 mm 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.
Unlike the British Museum statuette, our figure is represented in the heroic nudity of the warrior on horseback, even if the position is identical. It is very likely that the statuette represents one of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, and perhaps it was part of a pair of twins on horseback. -
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4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With three onion-shaped knops on the crossbar and stepped upper face, narrow bow, rectangular footplate with catch to the reverse, hinged pin. 31.3 grams, 69 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.