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LOT 0811
Roman Bronze Steelyard Balance with Severed Celtic Head Weight
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
4 5/8 in. (86 grams, 11.8 cm).
Comprising a round-section arm with pierced lug finial, notches to the upper face, suspension ring, counter weight formed as stylised head with gaping mouth and bowl-cut hair. [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.
See The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 2008.355a-d, for type.
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 0811
Roman Bronze Steelyard Balance with Severed Celtic Head Weight
Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
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Life-Size Roman Marble Sleeping Girl from a Sarcophagus Lid
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20,800
Modelled in the half-round, nude with eyelids half-closed in sleep; a drapery partly covering the head and wrapping around the lower body under the hips; the hairstyle similar to those of the Antonine Dynasty, the peaceful face supported by the hands and the ear pierced to accept an earring; iron reinforcing rod to the feet and the right arm's armilla a later replacement; upper head restored in Parian marble. 104 kg, 110 cm long (120 kg, 117 cm including stand)
Acquired from G. Rihani, 1987. English private collection. Accompanied by a copy of the purchase invoice, 2 July 1987. 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.12231-218595
The girl shows exotic features, evocative of Roman North Africa, where a mixed Romano-Berber population lived in one of the richest provinces of the Empire. However, the hairstyle refers to those of the Antonine Dynasty, such as the portraits of the Empress Faustina the Elder. It represents probably a sarcophagus lid of a young noble girl, commissioned by her loving parents. Some restorations, today still visible, were done in ancient times: an iron rod at the feet for reinforcement, the armilla on the right arm sculpted at a later stage, the hole in the ear for the insertion of a lost metal or glass earring, the upper part of the head restored in antique with a portion of Parian marble. The sculpture is a Roman work, but it was inspired by a Hellenistic model, probably from Pergamon. -
Roman Silver Ring with Cockerel Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
With broad hoop, plaque with cell and applied wire collar, inset jasper cabochon with intaglio bird and teasel motif. 4.58 grams, 20.55 mm overall, 17.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Roman Sheet Gold Phalera Cover Fragment Group
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Group of fragments of phalera covers with repoussé designs. 1.77 grams total, 10-37 mm
Acquired in the early 1990s. From the collection of an London antiquarian.
