Roman Bronze Wolf's Head Terminal

Comprising a tapering hoop formed with convergent bands filled with scrolls, granule at the junction to the reverse; beaded wire frame to the square bezel with central panel and teardrop-cell to each corner; inset cabochon to each corner cell, later green cabochon to centre; shoulder repaired in antiquity with gold strap. 7.27 grams, 23.17 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)



with Gorny & Mosch, Auction 119, 16 October 2002, no.3072. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12814-241422. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Comprising a tapering shank and square head supporting a nude Cupid in conical hat clutching a winged insect to his chest. 12.31 grams, 76 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Two rectangular fragments from a sarcophagus in classical style, comprising: an element serving as a corner, with the left part raised and decorated inside with floral and vegetal ornaments, enclosed within a border, on the base a griffin's head in low-relief; the body decorated with vertical streaks alternating with vegetal elements; a second element consisting of a slightly convex body, with a sculpted decoration in low-relief depicting a putto armed with a bow and his dog hunting a rearing deer; vegetal elements in the background. 36.8 kg total, 21.6-30 cm including stand



with Hermann Historica, Munchen, 19 October 2005, no.197. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12760-237142. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Many sarcophagi from Roman times depict hunting scenes. As a rule, the main figure among the hunters is on the sarcophagus itself, riding a horse; other hunters may also be on horseback. Non-standard types could have been chosen for the depiction of the hunt, like erotes hunting animals. The popularity of scenes depicting figures such as playful erotes and mythological couples lasted until the early 4th century, eventually waning in favour of scenes that displayed the aristocrat’s wealth and property.