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LOT 0132
Roman Bronze Statuette of a Putto
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (104 grams total, 10.9 cm including stand).
Modelled in the round, standing nude with one arm raised above the head and the other bent, probably from a larger ensemble of figures; mounted on a custom-made display stand. [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. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 112-118; see Reinach, S., Répertoire de la statuaire Grecque et Romaine, Paris, 1897, p.430, item 9.
FootnotesThe figure lacks the small dorsal wings which are normally present on a putto, although the curled locks of hair are typical of the type. During the Roman imperial period, children were widely represented in the art of both the public and private spheres. Images of both mortal and divine children appeared in the artworks and furnishings of the home, on the tomb monuments and burial containers associated with the funerary realm.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Gold Beaded Pendant
2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Comprising a domed plaque with granules and beaded wire rim, granulated collars, tubular and fusiform beads, later wire, a marriage. 1.99 grams, 38 mm
From an early 20th century collection. -
Roman Emerald Gemstone with Portrait of Young Nero
51-55 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,500
Depicting Nero as a young boy, either as crown prince or within the first year of his reign in his first known portrait type, unequivocal with his long hair fringe. 2.17 grams, 17 mm
Ex Paul Munro Walker collection, Bournemouth, UK, 1970s. Private collection of Alexander Cotton, Hampshire, UK, sold October 1986. From a London gentleman's, UK, collection, in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12104-216215.
Dr Ittai Gradel writes: 'Date is AD 51-55. On most glyptic portraits from shortly after he became emperor, so 54-55, he is shown laurelled ... However, on the coins he is shown also bare-headed even as emperor in 54-55 (second coin, denarius). Again, on coins his bust is shown draped only before he became emperor in 54 (first coin, aureus), but cameos show him draped also as emperor (as e. g. the Marlborough one: but there are several known). It is therefore not possible to say if the emerald shows him as crown prince or as emperor, and I cannot date it more precisely than 51-55.' -
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