Roman Bronze Seated Greyhound Statuette

A heavy squat unguentarium or perfume flask with tall, trumpet-style neck and everted rim. 20.2 grams, 42 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

With circular hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel flanked by two bosses; the bezel set with a carnelian gemstone engraved with the winged goddess Victory, dressed in a chiton with overfold, walking on tiptoes to the left and holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and a palm branch in her left. 3.20 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

This type derives from a statue by Lysippos and appears on statues, reliefs, coins, and gems for purposes of political propaganda. In some variants on gems, Victory has her foot up on a globe, is seated and wears a helmet, an Erote gives her a palm, or the shield is propped against a trophy, a column or a palm tree.

Modelled in the round with curved neck, sitting on the lid of a balsamarium or other high-status vessel. 18.8 grams, 25 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.