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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:
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Roman Marble Male Bust
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
With a portion of the upper pectoral muscles still visible, part of a cloak (chlamys) gathered on the left shoulder. 9.95 kg, 29 cm wide
From an English private collection, 1970s-late 1990s. English private collection.
The 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. -
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 Iron Caltrop
4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £143
Hand-forged with square-section spikes. 8.74 grams, 42 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
Caltrops have been recovered from Roman sites where military action took place, and from medieval fortresses areas. Caltrops were used to slow down an enemy infantry attack, and were a deterrent to mounted soldiers.
