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LOT 0840
Roman Marble Eagle Head
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
9 in. (1.88 kg total, 23 cm high including stand).
Carved facing left, with deep-set hooded eyes and a hooked beak, stylised feather detailing to the head; mounted on a custom-made display base.
ProvenanceEx Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK.
Ex London collection, 1980s-1990s.
Cf. for a similar colossal marble eagle Bell, G.L., Amurath to Amurath, London, 1911, fig.3, p.10; Mendel, G., Catalogue des sculptures grecques, romaines et byzantines, Constantinople, 1914, nos.1135 (1949), vol.III, p.369; Reinach, S., Répertoire de la statuaire grecque et romaine, Tome III, 1920; Bertelli, G., ‘Amari usque ad mare, Acceptus e magister David a Siponto: nuove acquisizioni’, in Eurasiatica 4, 2016, Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”, p. 67, fig. 6.
FootnotesIn the Greco-Roman world, the eagle was the symbol of Zeus. It is most probable that this eagle flanked a statue of the god. A story is bruited abroad to the effect that Zeus, wanting to determine the centre of the world, let eagles fly of equal speed from west and east. The birds, flying in opposite directions, met at Pytho and that marked the central point of the whole world.
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Modelled with naturalistic detailing on all fours as if nibbling at food held between the forepaws. 15.6 grams, 24 mm
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Eastern Roman Silver Ring with Victory Holding Wreath and Palm Branch Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
With circular hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel flanked by two bosses; the bezel set with a carnelian gemstone engraved with the winged goddess Victory, dressed in a chiton with overfold, walking on tiptoes to the left and holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and a palm branch in her left. 3.20 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
This type derives from a statue by Lysippos and appears on statues, reliefs, coins, and gems for purposes of political propaganda. In some variants on gems, Victory has her foot up on a globe, is seated and wears a helmet, an Erote gives her a palm, or the shield is propped against a trophy, a column or a palm tree. -
Roman Gold Earring Element
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Of discoid form with filigree and pellet outer border, crimped and twisted wire borders within, central filigree scrolls with granules, central circular cell; suspension bar and loop applied to reverse. 1.95 grams, 20 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
