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LOT 0164
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (81.5 grams, 68 mm).
Amuletic fascinum formed as a crescent with phallus to the right, hand in the fica gesture to the left and male genitals below; each with a loop beneath for attachment of another pendant; large loop above and attachment strap with stud.
ProvenanceAcquired in Europe in 1990s.
European private collection.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 768, 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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LOT 0164
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Mask Appliqué
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £180
With rounded fleshy face and hair in tiered bands, sockets to the eyes to accept silver inserts; diadem to the brow with foliage detailing; hollow to the reverse. 56 grams, 42 mm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. -
Stone Minerva Statuette House Altar
Roman, 2nd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Square-section with stepped base, gussetted collar and two parallel bars to the upper face; inscribed 'DEAE.MINERV[AE] / LVCIVS.PLAC[IDUS] / VITELLI.FIL[IVS].V[OTUM] / S[OLVIT].L[IBENS].M[ERITO]' (to the goddess Minerva, Lucius Plac[idus] son of Vitellius, discharges the vow freely, as is deserved); the inscription highlighted in crimson. 5.3 kg, 21.2 cm high
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.
Votive inscriptions follow a set pattern, since they were dedicated to a god or goddess to thank them for something they had done in response to a prayer. The person dedicating the stone would have previously promised to do this if the god answered their prayer. The formulation V.S.L.M. (votum solvit libens [or libenter] merito = in willing fulfilment of a vow) is attested for example at Bath, or on the Arae of the Hadrian's Wall. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Victory
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Ribbed shoulders and ellipsoid plaque with intaglio winged Victory standing holding an effigy in her outstretched hand. 5.18 grams, 20.76 mm overall, 16.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
