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LOT 0105
Roman Head of Minerva with Helm Appliqué
2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (23.2 grams, 39 mm).
A bronze appliqué formed as the head of Minerva (Greek Athena) wearing a tall helmet with scooped brow-band and lobed ends developing to wings with radiating feather detailing; facing mask with finely detailed eyes and mouth, hanks of flowing hair connecting to the ends of the wings.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
Ex private American collection; thence by descent.
Private Swiss collection since 1998.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11626-199003.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 328, for type.
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 'Thames' Enamelled Stud Group
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A group of two polychrome enamelled studs: one square with five 'white' dots against a darker-coloured field, rilled edges and lug with discoid head to reverse; one discoid with concentric rings of enamelling, 'white' dots to the outer ring, attachment lug to reverse. 6.14 grams total, 10-19 mm
Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK. -
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Roman Mouse Holding Nut
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A freestanding bronze figure of a mouse sitting on its haunches, eating a large nut, stylised incised detailing to its textured coat, feet, ears and face; small socket to wedge-shaped base. 17.8 grams, 27 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Triclinium Finial Set
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
A set of four copper-alloy triclinium (bed) finials, each with a bell-shaped body and baluster style finial; hollow to base. 1.18 kg total, 9.6-10.1 cm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The Romans, like the Greeks, ate whilst reclined on beds. The eating bed (lectus triclinaris) was a luxury furniture item crafted by carpenters. From the 2nd century B.C., Romans started to create 'lecti aerati, inargentati, inaurati, eborati, testudinei,' i.e. beds made of wood and covered with bronze, silver, gold and ivory fittings (as in our specimens) or with scales of other precious material. Such elements were sometimes sculpted in the shape of an animal protome, or were simply bell-shaped, like our specimens.
