Loading, please wait...
LOT 0666
Roman Bronze Statue Base
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (556 grams, 14.5 cm).
Featuring moulded legs and scalloped lower edge to front face; circular hole to the top; hollow-formed.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Bolla, M., 'Bronzi figurati romani da luoghi di culto dell'Italia Settentrionale,' in LANX 20 (2015), pp. 49‐143, fig.10, p.57.
FootnotesSome bronze supports found in the dedication shrines in temples are peculiar: they often have no frames of architectural derivation and have a central hole to the top. These bases seem to have not been intended for statuettes but for objects that may have needed support on a wall due to their height, possibly military standards, numerous fragments of which have been found in the Northern Italian regions. If this hypothesis is correct, this base could confirm the dedication of 'standards' as ex voto, positioned in the temple as a place for the conservation of military insignia.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Bronze Platter Group
Circa 2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising: one shallow circular platter, one oval-shaped with lobed handles decorated with a flowering plant with scrolling leaves; both cracked. 1.4 kg total, 29.5-45 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Roman Glass Janus Head Flask
Circa 3rd century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Formed as two addorsed heads with a flaring cylindrical neck and mouth; both heads with very similar detailing to the hair and face; restored. 41 grams, 99 mm high
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. -
Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
Featuring an elaborate monogram composed of Greek letters M, A, T and P on three supporting prongs; tapering cylindrical socket. 343 grams, 29.5 cm high
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Branding stamps or signacula, in particular those with large single letters, were used for marking livestock to identify the owner, the breed, the quality and other features of the animal. These signacula were usually made in bronze, but iron examples are also preserved.