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LOT 0989
Roman Bronze Ring with Head of Lion
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.99 grams, 24.31 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)).
Slender round-section hoop and a round bezel with a raised lion-head with recessed eyes. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound North Tamworth, Staffordshire, UK.
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
See for the type Mills, N., Celtic and Roman Artefacts, Witham, 2007, p.103, fig.RB317 (M182).
FootnotesThe shape of the ring belongs to the typologies of the Severan Age. Under Caracalla, the theme of the lion was popular on rings of civilians and soldiers, being the emperor's favourite animal. Stars and lions were, from the age of Caracalla, symbols of the Praetorian Guard.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
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From London, UK, gallery collection, 1990s. -
Roman Square Green Glass Flask
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £81
With dimple to the underside, squat square body and wide everted rim. 34.7 grams, 49 mm
From an important London collection of glass, 1990s.
The object is certainly Late Roman in shape, although similar typologies did also exist in early Islamic glasswork. The bottle was probably blown into a flat mould to produce the ribs, then expanded and tooled to form the body. -
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Roman Bronze Hand-Standing Acrobat
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
A statuette of an acrobat on a round, drum-shaped base, standing on his hands, body arching slightly and legs together; wearing a loin cloth and cap decorated with floral pattern; eyes inlaid with silver. 162 grams, 12 cm high
Ex property of a Surrey collector; acquired in the early 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13125-249637.
Acrobats in ancient Rome could perform at a number of venues; either in theatres, as 'gap fillers' between gladiatorial contests at the amphitheatre, at private parties or at impromptu street performances and fairs. A convivium was a dinner party with family, friends or associates. It was somewhat like a Greek symposium except that it was generally regarded as a chance to talk business or politics rather than philosophy and weighty matters. A commissatio was a wild drinking party. Prostitutes, jugglers, musicians, acrobats, actors and fire-eaters entertained guests at the banquets of wealthy Romans. From the descriptions given by Roman authors these banquets were lavish affairs with rose petals scattered on the floor, mechanical devices lowering acrobats and entertainers from the ceiling and slaves blew exotic scents into the room. The emperors also had special entertainment barges constructed on some of the ornamental lakes in the parks of Rome where acrobats entertained the guests.
