Roman Bronze Scallop Shell Attachment Pair

Bust of Oceanus in high-relief, hollow to the reverse, with flowing hair and beard, large lentoid eyes and broad nose, with crab/lobster claws emerging from his locks; mounted on a custom-made stand. 68.2 grams total, 83 mm including stand



Identified by the British Museum as depicting Oceanus on 8th January 1996. 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. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum letter dated 8th January 1996.

From a colossal relief, depicting a life-size head of a goddess or an Amazon with a smooth reverse; pronounced lips and wide brow; the hair arranged in waves leaving the ears partially uncovered, secured with a taenia; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 11.9 kg total, 32 cm including stand



From an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s. English private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12163-218598

The style is akin to the sculptures of the Severan Age with a naturalistic treatment of the hair, and a more restrained use of the drill. The sculpture displays the same characteristic oval broad face with fleshy round cheeks, widely arched brow and big eyes of the portraits of Julia Domna. The alternative identification of the head as an Amazon can be deduced from the taenia and the details of the tear ducts, linked to a possible representation of a combat scene in which an Amazon suffers in agony after receiving mortal wounds.

Annular in form with integral collar and wreath detailing, animal forms to the outer edge; usage wear. 179 grams, 10.3 cm



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.