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LOT 0116
Roman Bronze Statuette of Athena
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5 1/8 in. (279 grams total, 13 cm including stand).
Standing erect in contrapposto pose, wearing a floor-length himation and with the gorgoneion medallion on her chest; Corinthian helmet on her head tilted backwards to reveal her face; right arm raised and bent with open hand to accept a spear-shaft; 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.
Exhibited at Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 14th March-9th June 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefact on display.
LiteratureCf. Reinach, S., Repertoire de la statuarie Grecque et Romaine, Paris, 1930, pp.276ff., for the type; Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 67, for similar.
FootnotesThe figure is a hybrid based on representation of Roman Minerva, closely associated with Greek Athena. The missing attributes are the spear and the shield, according to the type of Minerva of Firenze (Reinach, 1930, p.278).
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
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Roman Holy Land Terracotta Oil Lamp Group
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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. -
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1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
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Over Life-Size Gallo-Roman Limestone Head of an Athlete
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
With short hair, cut and combed in regular lines, furrowed brow and wide deep-set eyes, small fleshy mouth, intense and powerful expression; weather-worn surface; mounted on a later 18th century stand. 16.35 kg total, 35 cm including stand
Acquired in the 1930s. From the family collection of Mr F. Morand, France. From the M.J. collection, Wales, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12070-217746.
The head shows a late Roman appearance in its features and hairstyle. The expression, the short thick neck and the style of the hair combined with the somewhat uncouth and forceful expression may indicate a local Gallo-Roman character.