Loading, please wait...
Details
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]
Provenance
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.
Literature
Cf. similar item in the British Museum under accession no.1919,0620.8.
Footnotes
In 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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0834
Roman Bronze Statuette of the Three-Headed Guardian Dog Cerberus
Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
With facetted onion-knop finials, keeled bow with a central decorative panel extending to the footplate, separately made ribbed collar to the bow. 41 grams, 68 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Iron Ring with Gemstone
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105
discoid bezel with intaglio scene of figure wearing a helmet and pleated robe sitting on a rock beneath a tree with a spear resting on one shoulder, altar behind him flaming vessel, post with armour and shield. 5.59 grams, 23.23 mm overall, internal diameter 11.8x15.38 mm (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Roman Bronze Comic Actor's Mask
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Mount formed as a comic actor's mask with braided wig, exaggerated scooped mouth and grotesque features, hollow to the reverse. 32.1 grams, 33 mm
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.
