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LOT 0115
Roman Gold Eagle Pendant
2ND CENTURY B.C.-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.83 grams, 27 mm).
Depicted as a standing eagle with closed wings, long striated tail extending to the small pedestal; with detailing to wings, beak, eyes and feathers; a filigree collar with small medallion around the neck; holding a small rabbit in its claws; suspension loop to the back.
ProvenanceFrom a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent.
Property of a New Zealand legal professional.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12329-223711.
Cf. Heath, J., ‘The Omen of the Eagles and Hare (Agamemnon 104-59): From Aulis to Argos and Back Again’ in The Classical Quarterly, Vol.51, No.1 (2001), pp.18-22; for Graeco-Roman pendants eagle-shaped (earrings or necklaces parts) see Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, nos.1930, 1933.
FootnotesThe motif of an eagle and hare is linked with the story of the Trojan War. On their way towards Troy, the two brothers Agamemnon and Menelaus, the Atreides, saw two eagles swoop down upon a pregnant hare and tear her to shreds. They interpreted it as a good omen: the two eagles were the warrior brothers, and the hare Troy.
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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The goddess modelled nude in contrapposto stance; the right hand extended to hold a patera (absent); the hair dressed in a chignon with diadem and two lateral twisted locks; loops to the ears for attachment of separate earrings; eyes modelled oversize to accept silver appliqués; mounted on a custom-made stand. 249 grams total, 14.5cm including stand
Found by Nigel Mills, Thames, UK. 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.
In this type of sculptures of the goddess, the deity appears diademed, entirely naked, her hair curled behind a chignon from which braids fall to her shoulders. In her left hand, missing here, the goddess usually carried a fruit, flanked by a marine figure wrapped around a pole. -
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