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LOT 0125
Roman Bronze Ornate Dolphin Holding a Turtle
CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 7/8 in. (98 grams, 98 mm).
Modelled free-standing and clasping a turtle in its mouth; stylised detailing to the face, body and vegetal tail.
Provenance‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LiteratureCf. Christie's London, A Peaceable Kingdom: The Leo Mildenberg Collection of Ancient Animals, 26th-27th October, 2004, pp. 219-220, for a similar dolphin.
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 Carnelian Bezel Fragment with Sphinx
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Once forming a part of a ring carved from a single piece of carnelian, polished and displaying the mythical creature advancing left on a groundline; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 0.99 grams, 15 mm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Roman Redware Lamp with Radiate Head of Serapis
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Comprising a squat body with thick nozzle and lug handle, band of leaves and bunches of grapes to the discus, surrounding a bust of Serapis with modius and radiate crown; maker's initials to the underside 'S. S. L.'. 145 grams, 12.2 cm wide
Fine condition.
Ex London gallery 1980s. From the collection of a deceased Lancashire gentleman.
Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god, whose cult was popularised during the 3rd century B.C. on the orders of Ptolemy I of Egypt, to facilitate the religious syncretism of his kingdom. During the Roman Empire his image was widely diffused in the east, and the image of Zeus-Serapis was often fitted with the radiate crown, linking it with the cult of Sol Invictus; the position as the main divinity of the Roman Pantheon strengthened by Lucius Domitius Aurelian (270-275 A.D.). -
Roman Gilt Bronze Plate Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Of piriform shape, central vertical rib; complete with pin and catchplate to reverse. 3.06 grams 31 mm
Acquired from York Antiques Centre. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Gary Edwards.