Roman Bronze Tortoise Figure

Of various sizes and types, the majority with decorative bezels engraved with text, animals, sunbursts, ropework, geometric motifs, a crown and other designs, including an example with glass inlay. 94 grams total, 16-29 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.

Decorated with a frieze of foliage and volutes from which a blossom is springing, the image framed by a green band of arrows, an ochre and cream line border below; background painted in magnificent rosso pompeiano (Pompeian red); mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.26 kg total, 17 cm high including stand



From a European collection formed in the 19th century or earlier, based on the custom-made tooled leather box similar to another fragment kept in a case of similar manufacture with a label reading 'Fragment de Pompéi provenant de la vente Préat 1868' sold at Sotheby's New York, 12 December 2013, lot 84. Mitsukoshi department store, Nihonbashi, Tokyo, by 1974. Japanese art market, 1974-1978. 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 11826-207724.

Our painted stucco was probably part of a decorative frame, like that visible in the cubiculum of the Villa of P. Fannius Sinistor, in Boscoreale, which is earlier but represents a model of continuity through the decoration of the Roman walls. This filling of the tablinum and other rooms with ornamental plant-type columns and panels decorated with leaves and plant scrolls is found in Pompeii in certain houses, such as that of Caecilius Jucundus.

Displaying concentric roundels of faux ropework ornament, central circular cell inlaid with a polished garnet cabochon; pin-hinge plate to verso. 8.58 grams, 27 mm



Acquired late 1980s early-1990s. Private collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.