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LOT 0143
Roman Marble Head of a Bearded Man
2ND CENTURY A.D.
10 1/2 in. (13.3 kg, 27 cm).
Carved in the round and probably from a life-size statue or bust of philosopher; depicting an adult male with short tousled hair and a longer 'rim' of wavy tresses at the brow; short curly beard descending to the neck; broad brow with deep-set lentoid eyes; possibly Hadrian, repaired and weather-worn. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceBy repute found near Hadrian's Wall, UK.
From a collection acquired on the UK art market, circa 1999.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Frel, J., The J.Paul Getty Museum, Roman Portraits, Malibu, 1981, p.75, for similar; see also similar rendering of beard and moustache on a portrait of Emperor Hadrian, in Hermitage, cf.Vostchinina, A., Le Portrait Romain, Musee de l'Hermitage, Leningrad, 1974, pls.L-LI.
FootnotesThis head of bearded man, from a statue or bust probably representing a philosopher, is very similar to the representation of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, and though not imperial, can be dated to his age. The bust produces a convincing illustration of how faithful subjects tried to resemble their contemporary Caesars. Although damaged and blackened by some fire or bad weather conditions, the bust of man is distinguished by its perfect execution and good craftmanship.
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 Bronze Square-Shaped Bell
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
With flared, square-section body and thick suspension loop. 59 grams, 60 mm
Ex property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Frontal Bust
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With brown slip, loop handle to the rear, the discus with a facing bust of a young woman within a concentric circle border; maker's mark 'LCΛPΓ' within tabula ansata-shaped stamp. 63 grams, 10.2 cm
Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.
The discus decorations of these lamps are various: Diana, Dioscuri, Sol and Luna, Africa, Lares, and griffin; portraits of Domitian, Hadrian, male head, bust of a young man, bust of a young woman (our specimen), bust of a bearded old man, fisherman, and an aulete; scorpion, boar, and lion with crocodile; etc. They were an African production and not less than seven worskshops have been individuated: M N O V I V, M N O V I V S T (our case) , M N O V I V S T I , I V N I A L E X I, C C O R V R S , E X F N A / LV C C E I O R V M . Here we can add LCAPIT (Lucius Capito). -
Roman Coin and Limited Edition Framed Print
3rd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £7
The coin mounted on 22 carat gold foil, framed with an art print signed by the artist David McAllister, depicting scenes of Roman military activity; limited edition number 24/1150. 1.3 kg, 49 x 36 cm
UK gallery, early 2000s. Accompanied by an old certificate of authenticity.
David McAllister's exciting design is a 'one of a kind' work that portrays the might and riches of the Roman civilisation. This limited edition print is a celebration of the award winning artist's lifetime dedication to historical paintings of the ancient world. To enhance appreciation of this rare and historic work, each individual print is signed and numbered by the artist.
