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LOT 0122
Roman Bronze Statuette of Young Mercury on the Eagle of Jupiter
2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (63.3 grams total, 68 mm including stand).
Modelled in the round as a figure of an eagle perching with its head turned to the right; on its back, the god Mercury with caduceus on his left arm and petasos on his head; 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 51 (Mercury with caduceus).
FootnotesThe figure of the messenger-god Mercury seated on the pinion of the eagle possibly relates to a mythic incident. Similar imagery was used in respect of Jupiter in scenes where the god was supposed to welcome a newly-deified emperor into the pantheon: see Metropolitan Museum of Art accession no. 32.142.2, for a sardonyx instance of this motif.
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 0122
Roman Bronze Statuette of Young Mercury on the Eagle of Jupiter
Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
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Roman Bronze Sitting Squirrel Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, sitting upright nibbling a nut. 11.7 grams, 25 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Bronze Genius Statuette
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Modelled standing, wearing a loosely draped himation hanging from the right shoulder, the folds gathered at the left forearm raised to support a patera; mounted on a custom-made stand. 118 grams total, 96 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.
A genius was a local spirit or supernatural helper whose favour could be requested with a libation or small offering. -
Roman Green Glass Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £59
Restrung group of mainly annular and seed beads with tabular dangle centrepiece. 13.75 grams, 32.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
