Roman Lead Figure of Aphrodite Holding a Severed Swan's Head

Frieze fragment with scene carved in the half-round: left, a venator standing with gladius held ready to stab a tiger leaping towards him from between the columns of an arch while a second figure wearing a short tunic attacks the tiger with a spear; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.9 kg total, 23.2 cm wide including stand



Acquired before 1985. UK art market. From the private collection of Mr David Barker, London, UK; thence by descent.

Carved fragment with a female tragedy theatre mask modelled in the half-round, features strongly delineated, eyes detailed with small cylindrical pupils; the hair sculpted on the upper part with rich locks fastened by a taenia, divided into regular rows falling stiffly on the forehead and down along the sides, bound by laces, open mouth in an expression of sorrow. 30 kg, 51 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. 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.12362-226705.

The mask is known to have been used in tragic theatre since the time of Aeschylus (first half of 5th century B.C.) and considered to be one of the iconic conventions of classical Greek theatre. Masks were also made for male members of the chorus, who play a part in the action and provide a commentary on the events in which they were caught up. The theme of decorative tragic masks as architectural elements passed from the Greek to the Roman culture and is largely visible in all the corners of the Roman Empire. However, these colossal heads are typical of the great architecture of temples and theatres of Roman Asia Minor, and the style and workmanship of this wonderful fragment of frame can be traced back to Hadrian’s era. The face suggests an architectural use, perhaps as a corbel or a lintel.

Comprising: a blue ewer with applied trails to the body; slender vase with applied handle; two small drinking horns with trails in contrasting colours. 14 grams total, 18-30 mm



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.