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_900x900.jpg "Roman Decorated Votive Lead Mirror")
_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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Carved in the round and probably from a life-size statue or bust of philosopher; depicting an adult male with short tousled hair and a longer 'rim' of wavy tresses at the brow; short curly beard descending to the neck; broad brow with deep-set lentoid eyes; possibly Hadrian, repaired and weather-worn. 13.3 kg, 27 cm
By repute found near Hadrian's Wall, UK. From a collection acquired on the UK art market, circa 1999. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
This head of bearded man, from a statue or bust probably representing a philosopher, is very similar to the representation of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, and though not imperial, can be dated to his age. The bust produces a convincing illustration of how faithful subjects tried to resemble their contemporary Caesars. Although damaged and blackened by some fire or bad weather conditions, the bust of man is distinguished by its perfect execution and good craftmanship. -
Roman Redware Oil Lamp with Amphora
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Squat piriform profile with hatched shoulders, raised amphora motif to the discus, stub nozzle, flange handle; 'V' maker's mark to underside; waxed and polished. 152 grams, 11.1 cm
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. -
Roman Silver Trumpet Brooch
Circa 1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £137
With chord, spring and pin, and trumpet-shaped headplate: D-section collars and a discoid finial at base of flared foot; articulated pin intact; catchplate projecting from the reverse of the lower bow, curving at the outer edge to house the pin. 39 grams, 60 mm
Acquired in Munich, Germany, in the late 1980s. Ex property of a Staffordshire, UK, gentleman.
