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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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Roman Silvered Bronze Bow Brooch
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Composed of a comma-shaped piercing to bow; complete with pin and catchplate. 15.2 grams, 30 mm
Acquired before 2000. Ex property of a Hampshire, UK, gentleman. -
Gallo-Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist. 43 grams, 59 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.
Likely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows. -
Large Eastern Roman Bronze Bust-Shaped Steelyard Weight
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
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.
