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LOT 0871
Roman Gilt Bronze Medallion with Mythological Scene
3RD-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.5 grams, 23 mm).
Discoid in plan with repoussé sheet-bronze cover on a bronze disc; facing image of two goddesses holding cornucopiae (Fortuna and Isis) flanking an altar, on a baseline. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in 1993.
Private collection, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
There are reliefs and paintings from across the Empire showing religious processions involving cult statues of the two goddesses. The famous Roman novel 'The Golden Ass' by Lucius Apuleius provides literary evidence of such processions in honour of the goddess Isis. The statue of the goddess was taken from the temple and processed through the streets with great pomp and ceremony on an elaborate bier or cart by the priests and devotees to the accompaniment of music and prayers.
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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Roman Bronze Duck's Head Applique
1st century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Modelled in high-relief, hollow-formed with scooped lower end to neck, feather texture. 89 grams, 65 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Fresco Wall Plaster Collection
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly red, pale blue and white detailing; some with impression of timber laths to the reverse. 1.2 kg total, 8.5-13 cm
Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle. -
Eastern Roman Marble Fragments from a Sarcophagus
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £7,000 - 9,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,150
Two rectangular fragments from a sarcophagus in classical style, comprising: an element serving as a corner, with the left part raised and decorated inside with floral and vegetal ornaments, enclosed within a border, on the base a griffin's head in low-relief; the body decorated with vertical streaks alternating with vegetal elements; a second element consisting of a slightly convex body, with a sculpted decoration in low-relief depicting a putto armed with a bow and his dog hunting a rearing deer; vegetal elements in the background. 36.8 kg total, 21.6-30 cm including stand
with Hermann Historica, Munchen, 19 October 2005, no.197. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12760-237142. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Many sarcophagi from Roman times depict hunting scenes. As a rule, the main figure among the hunters is on the sarcophagus itself, riding a horse; other hunters may also be on horseback. Non-standard types could have been chosen for the depiction of the hunt, like erotes hunting animals. The popularity of scenes depicting figures such as playful erotes and mythological couples lasted until the early 4th century, eventually waning in favour of scenes that displayed the aristocrat’s wealth and property.
