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LOT 0788
Roman Bronze Tankard Handle with Drunken Putto on Donkey
2ND CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (318 grams total, 17 cm including stand).
Comprising a crescent plaque above with facing mask a a thumb-pad, lateral scrolls; perpendicular D-section bar with ribbing to the outer face; rectangular lower attachment panel with scrolled upper corners, high-relief putto (?) holding a patera in one hand and tankard in the other, riding an ass side-saddle; 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. Tassinari, S., La Vaisselle de Bronze, Romaine et Provinciale, au Musée des Antiquités Nationales, XXIXe supplément de Gallia, Paris, 1975, items 152, 173, 173, 178, for type.
FootnotesThis type of bronze handles are usually depicting mythological scenes. The scene of the putto riding a donkey is often linked to Bacchic processions. The face of the character riding the donkey could also correspond to that of Silenus, who in the same processions is often represented riding such an animal.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0788
Roman Bronze Tankard Handle with Drunken Putto on Donkey
Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
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Opening Bid: £200
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Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. -
Roman Bronze Horse Protome
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Modelled in active leaping pose with forelegs extended, mane flying and mouth slightly open; hollow to the reverse with two attachment lugs; mounted on a custom-made stand. 173 grams total, 85 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. -
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4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With three facetted onion-shaped knops to the headplate and pierced scrolls to the upper face, deep bow, rectangular footplate with chamfered sides and scroll detailing, hinged pin to reverse and catch to rear of footplate. 51.5 grams, 84 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
