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LOT 0834
Roman Bronze Statuette of the Three-Headed Guardian Dog Cerberus
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (77 grams total, 63 mm including stand).
Modelled in the round with three heads facing in different directions, and with a pair of snakes wound round the body as a harness; 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. similar item in the British Museum under accession no.1919,0620.8.
FootnotesIn Greek mythology, Cerberus, often referred to as the hound of Hades, was a multi-headed dog that guarded the gates of the Underworld to prevent the dead from leaving. His figure is linked to the myth of Orpheus, the only one who managed to tame him with his songs, and to the myth of Hercules, the only one who managed to capture him.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0834
Roman Bronze Statuette of the Three-Headed Guardian Dog Cerberus
Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
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Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Modelled standing nude with a mantle over his shoulders, winged petasos on his head; mounted on a custom-made stand. 291 grams, 12.2 cm 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.
The many statuettes of Mercury found in France and Italy offer many variations: Mercury is sometimes entirely naked, recalling the models of the 4th century B.C., but much more often he wears a paenula or a chlamys rolled up on his left arm. His head can be uncovered, adorned with two wings or covered by the petasos. -
Romano-Parthian Bone Idol of a Female
Eastern Roman, 3rd century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Depicting a female figure with elaborately tied hairstyle, semi-naturalistic facial and anatomical detailing and geometric detailing to the garment wrapped around her lower body; stub arms; copper-alloy rivets to the shoulders. 77 grams, 19 cm high
with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. -
Roman Bronze Elaborate Triple Phallic Horse Harness Pendant
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Amuletic fascinum formed as a crescent with looped phallus to each side and male genitals to the centre; D-shaped loop above with two smaller side loops. 26.9 grams, 53 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
