Loading, please wait...
LOT 0141
Roman Marble Relief Head of a Goddess
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
12 1/2 in. (11.9 kg total, 32 cm including stand).
From a colossal relief, depicting a life-size head of a goddess or an Amazon with a smooth reverse; pronounced lips and wide brow; the hair arranged in waves leaving the ears partially uncovered, secured with a taenia; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceFrom an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s.
English private collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12163-218598
Cf. Bonanno, A., Roman relief portraiture to Septimius Severus, Oxford, 1976, pls.294-295, 306, for similar portrait relief in style, from the Arch of Severus at Leptis Magna.
FootnotesThe style is akin to the sculptures of the Severan Age with a naturalistic treatment of the hair, and a more restrained use of the drill. The sculpture displays the same characteristic oval broad face with fleshy round cheeks, widely arched brow and big eyes of the portraits of Julia Domna. The alternative identification of the head as an Amazon can be deduced from the taenia and the details of the tear ducts, linked to a possible representation of a combat scene in which an Amazon suffers in agony after receiving mortal wounds.
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:
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.
-
Roman Bronze Bow Brooch Group
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Including knee, trumpet and other types. 76 grams total, 34-55 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Samian Bowl Sherd with Rabbit
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Fragment of the shoulder of a decorated bowl with scrolled tendrils beneath the rim, chevron, ropework,tendril and other ornament and a rabbit in profile; old label '001' to inner face; repaired from three fragments. 92 grams, 17 cm
From the collection of a late East Anglian teacher and antiquarian who retired to the Isle of Wight in Hampshire, UK. He amassed a large collection of objects between the 1960s-1980s. -
Roman 'Wiltshire' Lead Dice Gaming Piece
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Cuboid with impressed point markings disposed 1:5, 2:3, 4:6; with old collector's record card. 44.8 grams, 22 mm
Found Wiltshire, UK. From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.65. Accompanied by a Colin Narbeth catalogue identification card.
