Roman Bronze Vessel Handle with Face

The goddess (Greek Artemis) with elegant features, sensual lips and deep eyes; detailed treatment of the hairstyle in transverse braids across the brow, laurel wreath with two rows of leaves resting above the forehead, an architectural element that was placed for the support of the sima of a building of great size; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 99.5 kg total, 72 cm high including stand



Ex private Belgian collection. with Madame Andree Mace collection. English private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Prof. Neritan Ceka. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11625-199748.

The upper part of the head, cut horizontally, creates a semi-circular surface, on which the rest of the hair, or an architectonic capital, may have been mounted into a T-shaped socket. The back of the head, cut perpendicularly, proves that the head was intended for architectural use, and not to be viewed in the round. This piece may have been intended as the head of a caryatid (a sculpture serving as a pilaster) or an architectural stone corbel (an architectural element placed to support the sima of a significant building).

Modelled in the half-round, the mask with broad facial features and swept hair; stud to reverse. 11.71 grams, 24 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Cuboid type with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 4.82 grams total, 11 mm each



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.