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LOT 0678
Roman Limestone Stele with Nude Putti
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
15 x 24 1/4 in. (40.1 kg, 38 x 61.5 cm).
Rectangular in plan with recessed panels to the lower edge, central bust of the deceased boy in a tondo supported by two nude horizontal putti with their legs extended towards a short column; deep undercuts to the columns and recess; later inscription in seriffed capitals 'DM / Q LOLLIVS / LOLLIANVS / VIXIT ANNIS VI / MENSES.V. DIES .XVIII.' [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private Netherlands collection of Mr Edward P. Van Dijk (1942-2024); his collection formed since the 1970s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13243-251959.
Cf. Castagnoli, F., Il Vaticano nella Antichita' Classica, Roma, 1992, fig.135, for similar sarcophagi.
FootnotesThe inscription reports the usual dedication to the deceased, in this case a young boy six years of age: 'To the manes (spirits of the dead), Q(uintus) Lollius Lollianus, he lived 6 years, 5 months and 18 days'.
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 Schist Medical Palette and Bronze Instrument Set
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Comprising a rectangular palette and six bronze instruments, including two spoons, a scalpel, a probe and two needles. 198 grams total, 8.7-16.6 cm
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-21 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.
