Roman Bronze Stylus with Eraser

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.

With a rectangular body and loop handle, the underside with a Menorah on a tripod base, a shofar on the left, a lulav and a shovel to the right. 46.3 grams, 59 mm



From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. 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.12324-223712.

According to Friedenberg and A. Reifenberg, unlike the Roman Christian counterparts, stamps such as the present example were likely used on the stoppers of wine amphorae rather than to stamp bread. They were used to seal the wine amphora to guarantee the purity of the wine as sanctioned by the Talmud.

With impressed cross motif. 1.45 grams, 20 mm



Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.