Loading, please wait...

Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0152

Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus

1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D. OR LATER

1 in. (8.35 grams, 23 mm).

Amuletic pendant of a phallus with testes, square suspension loop to the rear.

Provenance

Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12593-232171.
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.

Literature

See Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 424-425, for type.

Footnotes

Phallic amulets, symbols of fertility, prosperity and happiness in the Roman world, are represented by numerous examples in most museums and in many private collections. The typologies are various within the four main series: a) phallus seen from the front; b) phallus seen from the side; c) double phallus and d) triple phallus.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0152

Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus

Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Roman Sidonian Yellow Glass Flask
    Roman Sidonian Yellow Glass Flask
    1st century A.D.

    Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £300

    Round body with flat base and short neck with everted rim, the body divided into six panels separated by columns, each panel displaying either a jug, a hydria or a kantharos; a garland with bunches of grapes beneath the panels. 25.37 grams, 61 mm



    Ex London art market, 1980. From a UK collection, 2000s. Accompanied by a previous cataloguing card. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Bronze Cupid with Offering Plate Statuette
    Roman Bronze Cupid with Offering Plate Statuette
    1st-3rd century A.D.

    Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £200

    Modelled in a dynamic pose holding a plate, possibly a large seashell, in his extended arms, depicted nude with wings on his back. 83 grams, 71 mm



    Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
    Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
    3rd-4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £85

    With deep slender bow and domed knop to each end of the crossbar, D-shaped plate with spike to accept a third knop (absent), foot with chamfered sides and catch to reverse; pin and spring. 37 grams, 66.5 mm



    From the private collection of John Fox, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK, antiquarian and archaeologist; his collection assembled in the 1950s-1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list