Roman Bronze Military Belt Hook for Quiver

Modelled in dynamic pose with her peplos slipping loose from her shoulders and held at her waist by her right hand; head turned and left hand held at the breast; possibly a Maenad; mounted on a custom-made stand. 40.3 grams total, 63 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.

Maenads were followers of Dionysus whose rites were characterised by vigorous dancing to loud music and crashing cymbals, in which the revellers whirled and became drunk, and incited each another to greater abandon.

With broad rounded shoulders, inset banded agate gemstone with intaglio ant motif. 5.27 grams, 23.40 mm overall, 18.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Formerly in North American collection, 1990s. From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman.

Carved fragment with a female tragedy theatre mask modelled in the half-round, features strongly delineated, eyes detailed with small cylindrical pupils; the hair sculpted on the upper part with rich locks fastened by a taenia, divided into regular rows falling stiffly on the forehead and down along the sides, bound by laces, open mouth in an expression of sorrow. 30 kg, 51 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. 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.12362-226705.

The mask is known to have been used in tragic theatre since the time of Aeschylus (first half of 5th century B.C.) and considered to be one of the iconic conventions of classical Greek theatre. Masks were also made for male members of the chorus, who play a part in the action and provide a commentary on the events in which they were caught up. The theme of decorative tragic masks as architectural elements passed from the Greek to the Roman culture and is largely visible in all the corners of the Roman Empire. However, these colossal heads are typical of the great architecture of temples and theatres of Roman Asia Minor, and the style and workmanship of this wonderful fragment of frame can be traced back to Hadrian’s era. The face suggests an architectural use, perhaps as a corbel or a lintel.