Roman Bronze Winged Phallus

Mould made, filling-hole to the centre, slim ogival nozzle with simplified shoulder-volutes, discus iconography a bust of Sol with seven rays radiating from his head, base with one circular groove and impressed Greek letter H (capital eta). 54 grams, 84 mm



From a 1990s German collection. Ex London, UK, gallery.

The lamp belongs to the Loeschke type V (Bailey type C), group without handle. The main difference of this group from the Loeschke type IV is the shape of the volutes decorating the nozzle. They are called ‘shoulder-volutes’ because they end the lamp’s shoulder that they prolong. The decorative motif is Sol with radiate nimbus, already visible on these lamps and other Roman artworks in mid 1st century A.D.

Modelled in the half-round, nude with eyelids half-closed in sleep; a drapery partly covering the head and wrapping around the lower body under the hips; the hairstyle similar to those of the Antonine Dynasty, the peaceful face supported by the hands and the ear pierced to accept an earring; iron reinforcing rod to the feet and the right arm's armilla a later replacement; upper head restored in Parian marble. 104 kg, 110 cm long (120 kg, 117 cm including stand)



Acquired from G. Rihani, 1987. English private collection. Accompanied by a copy of the purchase invoice, 2 July 1987. 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.12231-218595

The girl shows exotic features, evocative of Roman North Africa, where a mixed Romano-Berber population lived in one of the richest provinces of the Empire. However, the hairstyle refers to those of the Antonine Dynasty, such as the portraits of the Empress Faustina the Elder. It represents probably a sarcophagus lid of a young noble girl, commissioned by her loving parents. Some restorations, today still visible, were done in ancient times: an iron rod at the feet for reinforcement, the armilla on the right arm sculpted at a later stage, the hole in the ear for the insertion of a lost metal or glass earring, the upper part of the head restored in antique with a portion of Parian marble. The sculpture is a Roman work, but it was inspired by a Hellenistic model, probably from Pergamon.

Broad flat base with low sidewall and everted rim; repaired. 580 grams, 20 cm wide



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.