Loading, please wait...
LOT 0138
Roman Marble Janiform Herm Head of Ariadne and a Maenad
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
11 3/8 in. (12.6 kg, 29 cm high).
Carved architectural element depicting a double herm comprising: a diademed female bust with long wavy hair framing the face, slender features with small mouth and raised lids; the other side with a diademed female with hair arranged in neat curls on the forehead, large eyes and small mouth, taenia shown on each side of the neck; base reworked with drilled sockets for mounting.
ProvenanceOld collection, acquired in the 1970s.
Acquired by inheritance from Mr N.S.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Marina Mattei and Dr Laura Maria Vigna.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12084-211893.
Cf. Mansuelli, G.A., Galleria degli Uffizi, Le Sculture, Parte l, Roma, 1958, pp. 159-160, n. L32; Sciarra, B., Brindisi. Il Museo Archeologico Comunale, Brindisi, 1976, p. 8, n. 34; Bonanno, A., Un gruppo diermette decorative a Malta, in ArchCl 29, 1977, pp.399-410, tavv. LL2-LL6, specialmente p. 402; Faedo L., Camposanto Monumentale di Pisa, Le Antichità, ll, a cura di Salvatore Settis, Modena, 1984, p.178, n. 81; Moreno, P., Viacava, A., I Marmi Antichi della Galleria Borghese, Roma, 2003, pp. 767-168, n.138.
FootnotesThe head with elaborately curled hair and diadem could represent Ariadne, as shown by comparisons with a fragment of a two-faced herm with bearded Dionysus and Ariadne preserved in the Antiquarium Ostiense, dated to the lmperial Roman age. The heads could be interpreted either as Ariadne and a Maenad, or as two Maenads being characterised by the diadem and long taeniae. The association of these figures with Dionysus is congruent with the typology of the herm, which refers to rural places and theatres. Numerous herms in fact attest that this type of sculpture was used in contexts linked to Dionysus and his sacred procession as well as, obviously, the representation of Ariadne, his female partner and double.
The example fits into the class of domestic sculpture with a decorative function, mostly used to adorn peristyles and viridaria; the type placed at the crown of columns and pillars is quite documented, in particular in the version with the head of Dionysus contrasted with that of Ariadne
or a Maenad.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0138
Roman Marble Janiform Herm Head of Ariadne and a Maenad
Estimate £20,000 - 30,000€23,200 - 34,800 (for guidance only)$27,000 - 40,500 (for guidance only)
-
Large Romano-British Bronze Chariot Terret
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
From the yoke of a chariot comprising a D-section ring, collar and knop-ended crescents, broad pierced lateral flanges. 365 grams, 16.5 cm
Reputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century. From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds. Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK. -
Roman Bronze Ladle with Loop Handle
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With deep bowl, integral square-section handle and loop finial. 66 grams, 23 cm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
This type of ladle was used for libations of wine to the gods during sacrifices. The shape of the simpulum was that of a small cup, with a single elongated handle. The material of which it was made varied according to the wealth of the altar; there were specimens in silver; some were of brass and others made of wood or terracotta. This simpulum or simpuvium is often found depicted on Roman medals or coins, like a denarius of Augustus (2 B.C.-2 A.D.). -
Roman Bronze Figure of a Boy with Silver Inlays
1st century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Modelled in the round, a male infant with arms and right leg extended, left leg bent and raised; head looking downwards, with applied silver scales imitating a wreath; sturdy mounting peg to the reverse. 70.1 grams, 61 mm
Acquired on the German art market, 2002. European private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12053-211904.
The model appears to form part of a figural group.
