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LOT 0664
Roman Danubian Temple-Shaped Lead Plaque with Helen of Troy
3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (74 grams, 90 mm).
Displaying a figural scene in relief composed of a mounted rider (Dioscuros) advancing left towards the figure of Helen of Troy, in the upper register, the sun and the moon, behind the cavalryman a woman or image of Nike holding a crown upon his head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureSee Tudor, D., Corpus Monumentorum Religionis Equitum Danuviorum (CMRED), II. The analysis and interpretation of the monuments, Leiden-Brill, 1976, for discussion and iconography.
FootnotesThe image of Sol Invictus assumed a great importance in the Danubian cult: the frequent representation of the celestial gods on the plaques is paralleled by their representation on monuments of other mystery cults, particularly the cult of Mithras. The image of a Dioscuros on horseback is linked to that of the Danubian rider.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0664
Roman Danubian Temple-Shaped Lead Plaque with Helen of Troy
Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
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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. -
Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum
Circa 3rd-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Displaying a monogram composed of Latin letters A and R; tapering round-section socket. 233 grams, 20.2 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The signacula used for branding were distinguished primarily by the presence of a relatively long metal arm, which could reach a length of 50 cm. This arm could sometimes be hollow to allow the insertion of a wooden handle. The presence of the long arm constitutes the main indication for the use of these signacula in the context of branding. Its length allowed the user to keep a safe distance from the source of heat. -
Roman Silver Panther Head
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £167
Modelled in the half-round with naturalistic detailing, forming a socket through the open mouth; right-angled recess to reverse. 5.3 grams, 16 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.
