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LOT 0900
Roman Gilt Bronze Phalera with Theseus and the Minotaur
2ND CENTURY B.C.- 2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (32 grams, 49 mm).
Domed roundel with high-relief design of combat between a bearded hero and a monster, wreath and rosettes to the rim.
ProvenanceFound near Sedgeford, Norfolk, UK, in the 1980s.
Acquired in the late 1990s.
Property of a Norfolk, UK, collector.
Cf. for surviving examples of this type of medallions or phalerae, often with an animal, compare various examples in the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, inv. nos. 31630 and Fr. 1552 g 6-8; Babelon, E., and Blanchet, J.-A., Catalogue des bronzes antiques de la Bibliothéque Nationale, Paris, 1895, nos.12-13, 55, 65-66, 110, 132, 178, 193, 214, 264, 316-17, 359-60, 369, and 445; nos. 25, 28, 120, 143-44, 253, 301, 400, 434, 491, 622, 712, 715, 827, 844, and 1022.
FootnotesAccording to the legend, Theseus, prince of Athens, went to the island of Crete to kill a monster who was the son of queen Pasiphae and a wild bull, although officially he was the son of Minos and Pasiphae. Theseus chased him into the labyrinth, killed him and found his way out with the help of the comb of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos. The myth has its representation in the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic period, and was widely depicted in the Graeco-Roman world. The present repoussé appliqué was probably used as a furniture or horse harness ornament.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0900
Roman Gilt Bronze Phalera with Theseus and the Minotaur
Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
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Roman Terracotta Lamp with Gladiator
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Discoid body with sunken discus with bas-relief scene of a gladiator in combat with gladius poised and scutum raised above his head, D-shaped nozzle with volutes; supplied with a custom-made stand. 167 grams total, 19 cm including stand (lamp 11.6 cm)
Ex Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, Germany (1944-2001). Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, part 2, Christie's London, 28 April 2004, no.178 (part). Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of the Christie's lot listing. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12235-222198. -
Roman Iron Caltrop
4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £143
Hand-forged with square-section spikes. 8.74 grams, 42 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
Caltrops have been recovered from Roman sites where military action took place, and from medieval fortresses areas. Caltrops were used to slow down an enemy infantry attack, and were a deterrent to mounted soldiers. -
Roman Glass Double-Handled Iridescent Flask
4th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
With squat bulbous body, dimple base, flared trumpet neck; applied trails to the shoulder, applied strap handles to the shoulders. 47 grams, 72 mm
From an important London, UK, collection, 1970-1990s.
