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LOT 0835
Roman Granite Cat and Mouse Amulets
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 - 1 1/4 in. (19 grams total, 25-32 mm).
Carved in the round figure of a cat crouching, mounted on a wooden base, and a mouse on an ellipsoid integral base. [2]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.
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 Key Ring Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising four rings with key attachments, one for a barrel lock. 37.5 grams total, 25-34 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Roman Marble Figure of a Phrygian Deity on Horseback
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £14,040
The rider, Mithras-Sabatios, wearing a distinctive knee-length belted tunic and Persian trousers, with a riding cloak secured at each shoulder and the end folded over as a cowl; the left hand gathering the reins and the right extending a patera in offering; the horse surmounting a capital, with its remains preserved beneath the belly; mounted on a custom-made stand. 4.3 kg, 25.5 cm
Private collection, Bavaria, since the 1980s. Anonymous Sale; Gorny & Mosch, 29 June 2011, no.234. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Gorny & Mosch catalogue pages. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12965-245245.
The composition closely recalls a small bronze of Mithras on horseback in the J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Villa), acc. no. 71.AB.160. The rider's Eastern (Persian) costume suggests his identification with Mithras, the focus of a mystery religion which spread among the Roman legions from the 1st century BC onwards. The horse appears to be passing over a column, indicating that the piece likely formed part of a larger furniture mount or architectural fitting. If so, this would be an exceptionally rare representation, as equestrian images of Mithras are markedly less common than the familiar tauroctony. -
Roman Gemstone with Female Portrait
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Ellipsoid in plan with intaglio profile female bust. 0.41 grams, 9 mm
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1970s onwards. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Based on similarities with coins and sculptures, the gemstone could date to the Late Hellenistic or Early Roman period. These similarities can be seen in the strongly marked lines of the dress, the pronounced shape of the mouth, and the squareness of the nose.
