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LOT 0875
Roman Bronze Statuette Head of Apollo
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (31 grams, 32 mm).
With delicately modelled youthful features, thick hair framing the face adorned with a laurel-wreath secured at the rear, traces of silvering to the eyes; ledge base; possibly Apollo the sun-god, or a lar (guardian spirit). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
Cf. Durham, E., Metal Figurines in Roman Britain, vol. 2, Reading, 2010, pl.60 for full-length figure from lakenheath, England, with similar features.
FootnotesThe use of domestic gods continued in the Roman Empire also in later times. Of particular interest is a group of sculptures discovered in the Theodosian Palace in Stobi. The finds consist of marble and bronze statuettes and reliefs that were deposited in one of the ornamental basins located in the peristyle. Four of the smaller bronze sculptures— a lar, Apollo, Venus, and a satyr— may have formed the contents of a lararium. The palace was in use until the 5th century A.D., but the sculptures consists of heirloom and reused pieces dated at 2nd-1st century B.C. However, an unusual feature of this bronze assemblage is the fact that they date overwhelmingly to the 3rd century A.D.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Dish
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Low dish with flared sidewall and basal ring. 56 grams, 66 mm
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. -
Roman Marble Female Head
Circa 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £936
From a relief with hair centre-parted and drawn back from the face, gathered at the nape in a chignon; rounded face with soft features, drilled eyes and nostrils; mounted on a custom-made stand. 523 grams total, 78 mm high (12.7 cm high including stand)
London art market, 2000s. Property of a London gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Vessel with Boats
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Squat jar with concentric rings to the base, flared rim to the mouth three high-relief galley images to the shoulder. 166 grams, 43 mm high
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The vase evokes a scene of maritime or river trade, usually linked to navigation on the Rhine or on the great rivers of Roman Gaul. In particular, the shape of the ship and the three people only half visible on its deck closely resemble the famous relief of the wine merchants of Neumagen-Dhron. The small jar was probably for domestic toilette use.
