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LOT 0195
Roman Bronze Statuette of Hermes
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (100 grams total, 10 cm including stand).
Standing nude with left leg bent, arms extended, mantle draped from the right shoulder, hair combed forward from the crown; 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.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 38, for type.
FootnotesDespite the lack of specific attributes related to Hermes, the pose of the statue, with the right hand advanced to hold the sacculus, the cloak thrown over the right shoulder and then folded over the left would lean towards an interpretation of the statuette as an ex voto related to the god of thieves. The statuette seems to originate from a Gallo-Roman workshop. A similar drapery on the chest is also found on a Mercury/Hermes in the Museum of Besancon.
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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Life-Size Roman Bronze Club from a Statue of Hercules
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £16,900
Hollow-formed life-size club with tubular handle and flared rim, shank with series of regularly-placed knop projections on piriform pads, domed end; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 4.73 kg total, club: 55 cm
Formerly in North American collection, 1990s. From an Austrian collection, acquired in London from UK collector in early 2000s. From a London gentleman's collection, 2000s. 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.12345-225411.
Like the famous statue of Hercules in gilded bronze (the so called Hercules from the Forum Boarium), today at the Capitoline Museums (Palazzo dei Conservatori), this club would have come from a temple dedicated to the Greek hero. The Mastai Hercules, at the Vatican Museum, shows a similar club. The presence of a large handle in our piece confirms that the club was held with the right hand in resting position, and that the typology of Hercules was probably one of the two models. -
Roman Glass Flask with Everted Spout
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £65
Piriform in profile in aqua glass with broad flared neck; applied trails to the neck, dimple base; areas of iridescence. 38 grams, 98 mm
From a London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Roman Bronze Flying Phallus Pendent
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Model phallus with spread wings and suspension loop at the tail; mounted on a custom-made stand. 25.2 grams total, 35 mm including stand
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.
