Roman Bronze Ring with Horse Motif

Discoid in plan with short D-shaped nozzle, loop handle, discus with low-relief image of two facing busts representing Isis and Serapis, shoulder with ribbed decoration; marked discoid base. 103 grams, 11.6 cm



From the stock of a former UK antiquarian, acquired at trade fairs and from private collection formed in the 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Europe.

Modelled in the round with the tail laid along the spine, collar to the neck and crest between the pricked ears; tongue protruding to form a loop against the chest, possibly from a handle; mounted on a display stand. 226 grams total, 13 cm including stand



Acquired from Bath Antiques Centre, 1990s; and inspected and verified by Robert Knox of the British Museum. From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman.

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.