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LOT 0602
Roman Historic Cut & Polished Porphyry Slice Group
1ST-5TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
2 1/4 - 4 3/4 in. (81 grams total, 5.8-12.2 cm).
Comprising three lacquered porphyry slices of rectangular shape, cut on both faces and polished on one face; probably from recycled material mined in ancient Roman times between the 1st and 5th century A.D.; intended for use as inlay panels. [3]
ProvenanceFrom Egypt.
Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK.
Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).
Mons Porphyrites (today Jabal Abu Dukhkhan) is the mountainous site of a group of ancient quarries in the Red Sea Hills of the inhospitable eastern desert in Egypt, a five day trip from the Nile during Roman times. They were discovered by Caius Cominus Leugas in 18 A.D., and during the Roman Empire the mines officially belonged to the emperor and were the only known source of the Imperial Porphyry, Mons Porphyrites. This dark purple stone was associated with royalty and used for prestigious sculpture and architecture. The location of the mines was lost some time in the 5th century, and rediscovered in the early 19th century. Excavations in the area have revealed the well-preserved quarries and the dwelling places of the quarry men, and also thousands of ostraca have been discovered containing messages that provide details of how the quarrying took place, and of how the highly skilled quarrymen ordered their food.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Marble Portrait Head of Gaius Caesar
Augustan, circa 5 B.C.-1 A.D.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £16,667
Modelled in the round probably using Parian marble, head of a youth depicted turning slightly to his left, hair trimmed in the Julian style; believed to be of Gaius Iulius Caesar Vipsanianus (20 B.C.- 4 A.D.); mounted on a custom-made stand. 17.4 kg total, 48 cm high including stand
Acquired on the London art market in the 1970s by the previous owner’s late father. with Christie’s London, 25 April 2007, no.260. UK private collection, London. Anonymous sale, Bonhams, London, 16 April 2015, no.130. 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 a search certificate number no.163499-10061.
Gaius Caesar (20 B.C.-4 A.D.) and his brother Lucius Caesar (17 B.C.-2 A.D.) held significant positions in the political and dynastic plans of Emperor Augustus. Born to Augustus' daughter Julia and his advisor Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, they were adopted by Augustus in 17 B.C. to become his heirs, since he lacked natural-born sons. Portraits of the brothers depicted them as resembling Augustus, indicating their importance within the imperial family. Gaius' portraits were classified into five types, with this head identified as Type IV, likely created in 1 A.D. to celebrate his consulship. A similar portrait of Gaius exists in Corinth alongside his brother and Augustus. In 1 B.C., Gaius was appointed to govern the eastern provinces, where he successfully negotiated a peace treaty with Parthia's King Phraates V. However, tragedy struck when Gaius fell ill in Anatolia and died at 23, following the death of his brother Lucius. These deaths disrupted Augustus' plans for succession and led him to adopt Tiberius, his stepson, who eventually became emperor in 14 A.D. -
Roman Bronze Double Axe-Shaped Plate Brooch
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With vertical spine and peltoid lateral extensions with silvered surface, enamelled annular motif to the centre of each; pin and catchplate to the reverse. 10 grams, 42 mm
UK art market, acquired prior to 1980. Property of a Kent lady collector. -
Roman Dagger with Bronze Boar-Head Handle
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £468
Single-edged ferrous blade with scooped tip, with later bronze handle with boar's head. 190 grams, 27.5 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
