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LOT 0123
Roman Iridescent Blue Glass Flask
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
6 3/8 in. (198 grams total, 16.2 cm including stand).
Of fusiform type with a rolled lip and thick rounded bottom; iridescent surface.
ProvenanceFrom an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 81.10.52 and 81.10.53, for similar examples.
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 Nicolo Gemstone of Hermes
Late 1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
With an intaglio bust of the god Hermes facing left; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.34 grams, 12 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. -
Roman Light Blue Glass Flask
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With squat bulbous body and broad shoulder, tapering neck with flared rim, dimpled base. 63 grams, 15.5 cm
From an important collection of glass, London, UK, 1990s. -
Monumental Roman Marble Head of a Greek Philosopher, Probably Diogenes
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46,800
Carved in the round bust of a cynical, mature philosopher with short tousled hair and thick beard, exaggerated protruding eyes and gaunt facial features, the mouth modelled slightly open as if the subject is in pain; mounted on a custom-made stand. 47.6 kg total, 60 cm including stand
Private collection, Paris, 1980s. European private collection. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.237041. Accompanied by an academic report by Professor Neritan Ceka. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12610-234690. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The portrait head was initially meant to be assembled on a statue. Chisel marks at the neck level indicate a relatively late separation of the head from the body, which must have been twice its natural size. The working of the back of the head suggests that the sculpture was exposed only to the front. The search for realistic traits brings this head close to the Hellenistic portraits of the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, representing socially disadvantaged people of different ages and situations, such as fishermen and peasants, in the so-called genre sculptures. This presentation would be in contrast to the supernatural proportions of the portrait, which should have represented an elderly, publicly known person, poet, or philosopher, exhibited in his city of origin. In this respect, it would be more suited to the representation of a Cynical philosopher, in the model of Diogenes of Villa Albani. The almond-shaped eyes without drilled pupils, engraved eyes, and the absence of a deep drilling technique on hair date the portrait between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD.
