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LOT 0831
Roman Bronze Statuette of Attis
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (137 grams total, 78 mm high including stand).
Figure standing with left leg advanced, wearing a simple fringed robe clasped at each shoulder; tight-fitting cap with ridge to the top, abundant hair descending to the shoulders; hands to the hips supporting a quantity of bunches of grapes and other fruit; mounted on a custom-made 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Silver Dolphin Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With detailing to the nose, fins, eye and tail; base with remains of pin lug and catchplate. 16.9 grams, 45 mm
From the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980. -
Roman Silver Bracelet Pair
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Group of two penannular bracelets, each with a round-section shank, cross-hatched finials. 27.6 grams total, 60-62 mm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s. -
Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,750
Standing erect on a tiered socle base in contrapposto pose; pointillé-textured mantle draped to the left shoulder, left arm bent, hand holding a wand; right arm loose at the side, hand holding a patera; finely modelled face with short wavy hair; shallow dimple or socket to the crown; standing on a possibly later tiered disc base with square foot. 957 grams, 16 cm high
Acquired on the German art market, 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire collection, 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 search certificate number no.12013-213587.
Mercury was the god of trade and industry, whose principle shrine in the city of Rome was at the Circus Maximus. The draped mantle is typical of statuary of Mercury from the 1st-2nd century A.D. (Boucher, pl.40, 43) and the 'baton' may in fact be the stem of a caduceus (Boucher, pl.46 (211)).
