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LOT 0096
Roman Carnelian Bust of Mercury Gemstone
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.27 grams, 18 mm).
Ellipsoid gemstone with chamfered rim, incuse profile bust of Mercury with wreath in his hair and star to the rear of the neck.
ProvenanceFrom an old UK collection, 1980s.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Roman Marble Relief Fragment with Phaethon
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Portion of a carved frieze with reserved border to the upper edge; panel with high-relief carving of youthful Phaethon in profile with mantle and himation, mop of curly hair, right arm extended holding reins extending to the mane of the horse at the right edge; drilled to accept mounting pegs. 1.05 kg, 17.2 cm
Private UK collection. Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.
In the story, which appears in several versions, Phaethon was the son of Helios the sun-god who asked to validate his parentage by driving his father's chariot. Helios tried to dissuade him, but the youngster would not listen and eventually managed to take control, but was unable to master the horses and the celestial vehicle veered out of control - too close to the ground where it started fires and then too distant so that the ground froze. Eventually, Zeus took remedial action and hurled a thunderbolt, which killed the boy. His dead body fell into the river Eridanus, and his sisters, the Heliades, were turned to black poplar trees while they mourned him. -
Etruscan Bronze Telamon Statuette
Circa 4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Appliqué formed as a kneeling male with arms bent supporting a shelf above the shoulders; the hair cut short but thick above the ears, the nose and beard modelled with pointed profile; mounted on a custom-made stand. 44 grams total, 51 mm including stand
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.
The figure is strangely proportioned with oversized head and small legs; possibly an atlant or support from a vessel. -
Large Eastern Roman Bronze Bust-Shaped Steelyard Weight
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £715
Modelled in the round as a facing female with head turned slightly right, with semi-naturalistic facial detailing and dressed hair; lead-filled. 4.2 kg, 13.5 cm high
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Steelyard weights in the form of human or deities' faces were not uncommon in the Roman period (see SWYOR-DA4426, OXON-4391B5, HAMP-BD4D67 and NARC-7A7B81 on the PAS). These were generally filled with lead and had iron or copper suspension loops projecting from the top of the head.
