Roman Gilt Bronze Statue Thumb

With delicately modelled youthful features, thick hair framing the face adorned with a laurel-wreath secured at the rear, traces of silvering to the eyes; ledge base; possibly Apollo the sun-god, or a lar (guardian spirit). 31 grams, 32 mm



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.

The use of domestic gods continued in the Roman Empire also in later times. Of particular interest is a group of sculptures discovered in the Theodosian Palace in Stobi. The finds consist of marble and bronze statuettes and reliefs that were deposited in one of the ornamental basins located in the peristyle. Four of the smaller bronze sculptures— a lar, Apollo, Venus, and a satyr— may have formed the contents of a lararium. The palace was in use until the 5th century A.D., but the sculptures consists of heirloom and reused pieces dated at 2nd-1st century B.C. However, an unusual feature of this bronze assemblage is the fact that they date overwhelmingly to the 3rd century A.D.

Ellipsoid cloison with intaglio eagle with wings spread in the act of taking off; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.96 grams, 14 cm



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.

Including bust of Victory pendant, tanged arrowhead, rosette belt slider, finger rings and other items. 145 grams total, 17-99 mm



Ex Nigel Mills, London, UK.