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LOT 0700
Roman Herm of the God Hermes
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
6 1/4 in. (110 grams, 16 cm).
A bronze herm lock element representing the god Hermes, with a stylised and beardless face, long hair descending with two parallel lines on the chest with engraved stylised caduceus, finial with a plinth and a squared pin to the reverse.
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. a very similar Herma in the Museum of Fine Art Budapest, inventory no.93.19.A.
FootnotesThis miniature herm, with a stylised caduceus engraved on the breast, possibly represents the god Hermes. It could have been used as a lock for a casket or a box where money was kept. Hermes was the protector of homes, symbolised by the Herma (from Hermes), a square or rectangular pillar of stone or bronze topped by a bust of the god.
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 Goddess Statuette Heads
Circa 1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
A pair of semi-naturalistic bronze statue heads modelled in the round: a female with hair held in a chignon at the nape; figure with hair dressed in short wavy tufts, large eyes with exaggerated eyelashes. 71 grams total, 23-25 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Bronze statuettes of Roman work representing Roman gods and goddesses were widespread all around the empire, and are also known as far as archaeological sites of Jutland and the islands. The two heads represent probably tutela divinities of the home, like Vesta and Juno (Greek Hera). -
Roman Gold Ring with Venus Gemstone
2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
A hollow-formed gold finger ring with inset sardonyx intaglio of Venus (Aphrodite) standing nude dressing her hair, hoop split. 3.25 grams, 22.33 mm overall, 15.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Ex Zurigo, Max Kopp collection (1891-1984). English private collection. -
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Roman Key with Chain
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
A key composed of a D-section handle and integral loop, decorated with hatched geometric motifs, notched rectangular-section stem and rectangular bit with six teeth; chain composed of nine links. 18.8 grams, 22 cm
Fine condition.
Acquired Munich, Germany, late 1990s. Property of an East London gentleman.
