Roman Bronze Silenus Statuette Casket Fitting

Assorted old blue glass beads restrung to a Y-shape with a crescentic-shaped pendant. 16.1 grams, 50 cm long



UK gallery, early 2000s.

The mass production of glass in Ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery of unique qualities. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, being a public display of the wealth of high social classes. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate, incorporating elements from different cultural styles.

Ribbed loop handle to the rear, discus with a nude bust of a young woman, a garment folded over her left shoulder; the base with maker's mark 'MNOVIVSI', for M. Novius Iustus. 67 grams, 10.7 cm



Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.

The discus decors of these lamps are various: Diana, Dioscuri, Sol and Luna, Africa, Lares, and griffin; portraits of Domitian, Hadrian, male head, bust of a young man, bust of a young woman (our specimen), bust of a bearded old man, fisherman, and an aulete; scorpion, boar, and lion with crocodile; etc. They were an African production and not less than seven workshops have been individuated: M N O V I V, M N O V I V S T (our example), M N O V I V S T I, I V N I A L E X I, C C O R V R S, E X F N A / LV C C E I O R V M.

Squat lamp with broad body, shallow discus with raised ribbing, stub nozzle, flange handle to rear with piercing; part of sidewall absent. 168 grams, 14 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.