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LOT 0866
Roman Marble Male Bust
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
11 1/4 in. (9.95 kg, 29 cm wide).
With a portion of the upper pectoral muscles still visible, part of a cloak (chlamys) gathered on the left shoulder.
ProvenanceFrom an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s.
English private collection.
Cf. Reinach, S., Repertoire de la statuarie Grecque et Romaine, Paris, 1930, figs. pp.6-14 (Zeus); pp.31-37(Asklepios); pp.149-151,163, (Hermes); 179,183 (Ares).
FootnotesThe original statue or bust represented an athletic type, probably a hero or a demigod, or the god of war, Ares. However, the presence of the cloak resting on the left shoulder could also recall statues of divinities, such as Zeus with his left arm raised, or Asklepios, or Hermes.
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 Black Glass Bead Necklace String
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Roman Silver Ring with Silenus Head Gemstone
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
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Stone Minerva Statuette House Altar
Roman, 2nd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Square-section with stepped base, gussetted collar and two parallel bars to the upper face; inscribed 'DEAE.MINERV[AE] / LVCIVS.PLAC[IDUS] / VITELLI.FIL[IVS].V[OTUM] / S[OLVIT].L[IBENS].M[ERITO]' (to the goddess Minerva, Lucius Plac[idus] son of Vitellius, discharges the vow freely, as is deserved); the inscription highlighted in crimson. 5.3 kg, 21.2 cm high
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Votive inscriptions follow a set pattern, since they were dedicated to a god or goddess to thank them for something they had done in response to a prayer. The person dedicating the stone would have previously promised to do this if the god answered their prayer. The formulation V.S.L.M. (votum solvit libens [or libenter] merito = in willing fulfilment of a vow) is attested for example at Bath, or on the Arae of the Hadrian's Wall.