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LOT 0136
Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
1ST CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (778 grams total, 17.2 cm including stand).
The figure standing nude with right hand pressed against the hip, left arm bent and forearm extended; narrow chlamys worn across the shoulders and down the back terminating at the rear of the knees; the facial features modelled in some detail with slight oversized eyes, perhaps to accept a silver inlay; petasos to the head with vestigial lateral wings; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired from Simon Shipp, circa 1997.
Believed to be published in an old Den of Antiquity catalogue.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Boucher, S. & Tassinari, S., Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine a Lyon: Bronzes Antiques I. Inscriptions, Statuaire, Vaisselle Lyon, 1976, items 47, 50, 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 Marble Relief Head of a Goddess
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
From a colossal relief, depicting a life-size head of a goddess or an Amazon with a smooth reverse; pronounced lips and wide brow; the hair arranged in waves leaving the ears partially uncovered, secured with a taenia; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 11.9 kg total, 32 cm including stand
From an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s. English private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12163-218598
The style is akin to the sculptures of the Severan Age with a naturalistic treatment of the hair, and a more restrained use of the drill. The sculpture displays the same characteristic oval broad face with fleshy round cheeks, widely arched brow and big eyes of the portraits of Julia Domna. The alternative identification of the head as an Amazon can be deduced from the taenia and the details of the tear ducts, linked to a possible representation of a combat scene in which an Amazon suffers in agony after receiving mortal wounds. -
Roman Ceramic Oil Lamp Group
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
One with lug handle to rear, discus with filling hole and central panel with high-relief standing figure holding a bow, radiating border to the shoulder; basal ring; one squat with drum-shaped body. D-shaped nozzle, single lateral lug, flared base. 176 grams total, 84-92 mm
Private UK collection. Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman. -
Roman Carnelian Bust of Mercury Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Ellipsoid gemstone with chamfered rim, incuse profile bust of Mercury with wreath in his hair and star to the rear of the neck. 1.27 grams, 18 mm
From an old UK collection, 1980s.
