Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0647
Roman Bronze Triclinium Finial Set
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 - 4 in. (1.18 kg total, 9.6-10.1 cm).
Comprising four bed finials, each with a bell-shaped body and baluster style finial; hollow to base. [4]
Provenance
Acquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Literature
See Cavalieri, M., 'Ipotesi sulla produzione bronzea dell’Emilia occidentale in età romana' in Santoro, S., Artigianato e produzione nella Cisalpina. Parte I. Proposte di metodo e prime applicazioni, Firenze, 2004, pp.173-198, fig.5.
Footnotes
The Romans, like the Greeks, ate whilst reclined on beds. The eating bed (lectus triclinaris) was a luxury furniture item crafted by carpenters. From the 2nd century B.C., Romans started to create 'lecti aerati, inargentati, inaurati, eborati, testudinei,' i.e. beds made of wood and covered with bronze, silver, gold and ivory fittings or with scales of other precious material. Such elements were sometimes sculpted in the shape of an animal protome, or were simply bell-shaped, like our specimens.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Lioness Figure
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Modelled in the round crouching with one forepaw held aloft, stylised detailing to the animal's coat, head, face and paws. 130 grams, 54 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Bronze Hippocamp Brooch
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Complete with pin-lugs, pin and catchplate to the reverse; stylised scale detailing. 10.7 grams, 40 mm
Acquired before 1980. Ex property of a London, UK, collector. -
Yellow Sapphire Gemstone of Commodus in Later Gold Mount
Roman, 2nd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
The naturalistic pale yellow sapphire engraved with the bust of the emperor in profile right. 4.93 grams, 24 mm
Acquired in the 1980s. Ex European collection. Private collection of a London antiquarian.
The reign of Commodus (177-192 A.D.) is typically associated with the end of the period in Roman history, the golden era of peace. He initially reigned jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius (177-180 A.D.), and later alone. Commodus cultivated a personality cult which culminated in his performance as a gladiator in the Colosseum. He was eventually assassinated by a wrestler in the baths, marking the end of the Nerva-Antonine Dynasty. He was succeeded by Pertinax.