Loading, please wait...
LOT 0188
Roman Bronze 'Thames' Statuette of Venus
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (249 grams total, 14.5cm including stand).
The goddess modelled nude in contrapposto stance; the right hand extended to hold a patera (absent); the hair dressed in a chignon with diadem and two lateral twisted locks; loops to the ears for attachment of separate earrings; eyes modelled oversize to accept silver appliqués; mounted on a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound by Nigel Mills, Thames, UK.
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.
Mills, N., Roman Artefacts found in Britain, Chelmsford, 1995.
LiteratureCf. Boucher, S. & Tassinari, S., Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine a Lyon: Bronzes Antiques I. Inscriptions, Statuaire, Vaisselle, Lyon, 1976, item 65, for type; see also Reinach, S., Répertoire de la statuaire grecque et romaine, Paris, 1897, p.359, no.2.
FootnotesIn this type of sculptures of the goddess, the deity appears diademed, entirely naked, her hair curled behind a chignon from which braids fall to her shoulders. In her left hand, missing here, the goddess usually carried a fruit, flanked by a marine figure wrapped around a pole.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Silver Snake-Headed Armilla Bracelet
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With narrow round-section shank, flattened leaf-shaped finials with transverse ribbing and punched serpent-head detailing. 6.57 grams, 49 mm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1980s-1990s.
The armilla was a Roman military decoration in the form of an arm-ring or bracelet, often with snake-head terminals. They were made in gold, silver or bronze, the latter normally awarded to the lower ranks as a visible mark of distinguished service. -
Roman Marble Head with Pigment
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Carved in the round female head from a figurine, with the hair dressed in a chignon and soft facial features, remains of pigment to the hair; drilled and pinned at the neck, chipped. 78.3 grams, 49 mm
Acquired in London, 1988. Private collection, London. -
Roman Glass Bowl with Iridescence
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Shallow in profile with basal ring, iridescent surface, applied collar below the rim; old collector's label '4231 TO' to base. 45.5 grams, 84 mm wide
From the private collection of a French Count in the 19th century. Ex Thierry de Maigret, April 2010. Ex Sheikh Al Thani collection.
