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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.
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 0834
Roman Bronze Statuette of the Three-Headed Guardian Dog Cerberus
Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
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Roman Bronze Grotesque Silenus on Dolphin Handle
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Formed as a dolphin with hollow-formed curved body attached at the mouth to the base; standing on the dolphin's lower back, a grotesque bearded figure of Silenus with a furry body, and with a rope tied around his waist, his arms spread holding a cymbal in each hand; stub to the rear where the dolphin's tail joined to form a loop; mounted on a custom-made stand. 370 grams total, 17.5 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.
Silenus is here represented as Papposilenus, a representation of Silenus that emphasises his old age, particularly as a stock character in satyr play or comedy. His costuming includes a body stocking tufted with hair (mallōtos chitōn) that seems to have come into use in the mid-5th century B.C. -
Bronze Roman Coin and Framed Limited Edition Print
3rd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £85
The coin of Constantine the Great (272-337 A.D.) mounted on 22 carat gold foil, framed with an art print signed by the artist David McAllister, depicting scenes of Roman military activity; limited edition number 53/1150. 1.26 kg, 49.5 x 37.5 cm
UK gallery, early 2000s. Accompanied by a previous certificate of authenticity.
David McAllister's exciting design is a 'one of a kind' work that portrays the might and riches of the Roman civilisation. This limited edition print is a celebration of the award winning artist's lifetime dedication to historical paintings of the ancient world. To enhance appreciation of this rare and historic work, each individual print is signed and numbered by the artist. -
Roman Bronze Hand Weight
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Right hand in relaxed stance with gently curled fingers, socket to rear for attachment. 7.9 grams, 23 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
