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LOT 0657
Roman Bronze Statuette Head of Mercury
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (41 grams, 31 mm).
Wearing a broad-brimmed petasos with wings above, curls of hair beneath, youthful features. [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. Boucher, S. & Tassinari, S., Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine a Lyon: Bronzes Antiques I. Inscriptions, Statuaire, Vaisselle, Lyon, 1976, item 47.
FootnotesMercury was the god of trade and industry, whose principle shrine in the city of Rome was at the Circus Maximus. Originally he was one of the gods of riches and profit and it was not until he was equated with the Greek Hermes that he became the god of tradesmen and merchants. He was also the god of thieves and was associated with healing mainly in Gaul where he had a number of important temples connected to sacred springs.
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:
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Roman Bronze Head of Minerva
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Modelled in the round wearing a crested helmet, with detailing to hair and face; hollow interior. 44.4 grams, 44 mm
European art market before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Ex collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Figurine of Venus
Circa 50 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,980
The figure standing with her head turned slightly to the right, elegant hair falling to the shoulders in two long tresses; chiton draped around the left shoulder and sagging to expose the right breast; left hand holding a fold of the robe at her thigh, right hand slightly extended holding an apple; toes exposed beneath the fringe of her robe; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.17 kg total, 27.3 cm high including stand
European private collection, acquired 1980s, or before. Subsequently British private collection, acquired late 1990s from the previous. Acquired directly from the above by the current owner. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12052-210844. -
Roman Gold Ring with Head of Roma Garnet Gemstone
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
With a grooved hoop, round bezel with flared rim, set with a cabochon engraved with profile bust of Roma wearing a crested helmet. 4.50 grams, 24.32 mm overall, 20.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12110-214298.
Both the ring and the gem show characteristic compatible with 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D. dating. Some scholars identify the female head with a theatre mask, but here the strong profile and the helmet points to the goddess Rome, a divine personification of the eternal city.
