Loading, please wait...
LOT 0122
Roman Bronze Plaque with Goddess Cybele
3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (430 grams, 94 mm).
Rectangular plaque with stepped herringbone border, facing bust of Cybele with flaring turret-crown and cascading hair, symbols in the field.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a European gentleman living in South London; acquired 1970-1980.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13307-258227.
Cf. a similar plaque in bronze of the goddess in Sackler Museum, Harvard University, inv.no.1993.233.
FootnotesCybele was the great Phrygian mother of the gods, and goddess of motherhood, fertility and the mountain wilds.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Black Glass Juglet Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Modelled as a miniature juglet with a bulbous body and a strap handle, pierced longitudinally. 5.56 grams, 21 mm
Ex the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s-2000s. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 30.9 grams total, 12-20 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Bronze Military Glove Ring with Four Bezels
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
A substantial ring with a keeled hoop with four bezels decorated with hatching and separated by raised banding. 7.91 grams, 29.88 mm overall, 23.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2 1/2, USA 13 3/4, Europe 32.01, Japan 30)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
