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LOT 0143
Roman Geometric Floor Mosaic
CIRCA 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
61 1/4 in. (82.5 kg, 156 cm wide including frame).
Fragment or portion of floor mosaic, showing a composition of alternated patterns of different coloured squares in chequerboard pattern, combined in diagonal rows of light yellow, light blue, off-white, pink, red, light violet, again off-white, light grey, light grey, dark grey, off-white, light yellow (repeated two times) light blue and off-white shadows; on the lower part a red line is edging the composition over an off-white band. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11822-207409.
Cf. Ling, R., Ancient Mosaics, London, 1998, p.114 (Mosaics from Ampurias, Spain) for parallel; Arce, J., Ensoli, S. & La Rocca, E., Hispania Romana. Da Terra Di Conquista a Provincia dell'Impero, Venezia, 1997, p.314, fig.3 (Mosaic of Quintanilla de la Queza).
FootnotesThe square-decorated mosaics had a strong presence in the Hispanic provinces, with some 1st century A.D. examples in the houses of Ampurias, up to the late imperial examples of the Villa of Palencia (archaeological site of La Tejada) where the main rooms show wall paintings with geometric, vegetal or decorations imitating marbles, and mosaics with simple geometric decorations alternating with elegant decorative motifs such as swastikas, chequered motifs or ropes, and Solomonic symbols. The chequerboard motif was widespread, and it is visible also in the 3rd-4rd century mosaic of the Roman Villa of Brading or in the house found under the Museum of Lincoln, in Britain.
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
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Roman Gemstone with Scorpion
2nd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £130
Composed of an oval-shaped body, possibly sodalite, displaying an intaglio scorpion; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 0.82 grams, 15 mm
Acquired on the European art market in the late 1960s-early 1970s. -
Roman Iridescent Glass Pyxis
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Formed as a cylindrical body with flanged foot to base, straight rim, lid absent. 42.7 grams, 52 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
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Roman Terracotta Lion Rhyton
Late 2nd-early 3rd century A.D.Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,000
Modelled naturalistically in the round in an advancing pose with face, muzzle and tooth detailing within the open mouth, the tufts of the animal's mature mane individually rendered; filling hole on the back; the mouth open acting as a spout; North African workmanship; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.5 kg total, 20.5 cm high including stand
with Sotheby’s London, 9 December 1994, lot 221. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by copies of relevant Sotheby's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11797-206532.
The lion was famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labour, but it was also linked with the cult of the goddess Cybele, where it is usually represented sculptured in relief on either side of her throne.
