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_200x200.jpg "Roman Decorated Votive Lead Mirror")
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LOT 0687
Roman Decorated Votive Lead Mirror
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (43 grams, 11 cm).
With ribbed handle, discoid plate with raised rib to one face, running scrolls to the other, lateral struts.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Spasić Durić, D., Град Виминацијум-The city of Viminacium, (in Serbian), Pozarevac, 2015, fig.78, for similar.
FootnotesMany examples of this category from the Danube region were found in female graves, where they possibly served as grave goods considered appropriate for their connection with general issues of fertility, good fortune, and beauty, or even as protective amulets. Since lead mirror frames have been found in this Roman province only in graves of women, it is probable that these miniature mirrors, fitted with a central glass, were expected to serve as ritual or magical tools to assist souls of dead women in the afterlife.
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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Opening Bid: £300
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French private collection. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Vulcan Statuette
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Standing wearing a tunic draped from the left shoulder and a conical hat, left arm extended at shoulder-height; mounted on a custom-made stand. 110 grams total, 71 mm including stand
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Large Gallo-Roman Bronze Statuette of Cupid
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Opening Bid: £2,000
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Often the statues of puttos or amorini (small loves) depicting personifications of Eros were covered with gold leaf. This was a frequent practice and the figures, when represented with wings, were known as chrysopteroi, meaning 'with golden wings'.
