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LOT 0142
Roman Bronze Statuette of Hercules
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5 3/8 in. (244 grams, 13.5 cm).
Modelled in the round with a lionskin mantle over his extended forearm, standing nude with a club raised over his shoulder; provided with a contemporary custom-made stand.
ProvenancePrivate collection, USA and Switzerland, before 1992; thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13195-249254.
Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 4th March 2026-7th June 2026; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.
LiteratureCf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 85ff., for type; Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, item 34, for type.
FootnotesThis type of representation of Hercules, inspired by Etruscan or Italic models, was widespread in Gallo-Roman sanctuaries dedicated to the god, where several votive statues attributable to this type have been found. The musculature of the back is well-executed, as are the facial features and the details on the Nemean lion's skin.
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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LOT 0142
Roman Bronze Statuette of Hercules
Estimate £5,000 - 7,000€5,800 - 8,120 (for guidance only)$6,750 - 9,450 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Figure of Harpocrates, the God of Secrecy
1st century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Modelled in the round, sitting with miniature double-crown, serpent arm-ring on left wrist, sidelock; fixing socket to right thigh. 145 grams, 72 mm
Private collection, Me. A., Florida, USA, early 1990s. European private collection, acquired in Germany, September 2000. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12683-234609. -
Roman Gold Beetle Type Earrings
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Matched pair, each a hooked pin with a large hollow-formed domed panel and a smaller one above, dangle beneath with two iridescent glass beads. 4.48 grams total, 40 mm each
Private collection, USA and Switzerland, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent.
The pair of gold earrings is in the form of a very broad "boat-shaped" crescent. The back was often filled in with a concave plate of gold, and a lenticular disc above masked the junction of the S-shaped wire hook with the body of the earring. They are typical of the 1st -2nd century A.D. -
Roman Iridescent Tall Glass Unguentarium
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Squat bulbous body and a long tubular neck with rolled flange rim. 31.1 grams, 14 cm
Ex London, UK, art market 1990s.
