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LOT 0764
Roman Mount with Flavian Emperor
LATE 1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (52.3 grams, 60 mm).
A copper-alloy appliqué protome in the form of the Flavian Emperor Vespasian, frontal bust in half relief, wearing an exomis leaving his right shoulder uncovered, solid suspension ring to the top of the head.
ProvenanceAcquired 1969-1999.
London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.
Cf. Lafli E., 'Roman Bronze Figurines in the Museum of Ödemis,' in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol.28/29 (2015/2016), pl.15, nos.5/a-b, for similar protomes (with representation of gods).
FootnotesThe realism in the details is remarkable and was achieved through fine modelling. This protome was perhaps set in a medallion to decorate the lower terminal of a fulcrum, an S-shaped couch attachment almost always made of metal which was fastened to the side of a wooden headboard to serve as an elbow-rest on a couch (kline).
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0764
Roman Mount with Flavian Emperor
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Roman Square-Shaped Bell
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
A bronze bell of quadrilateral form, with a rectangular cross-section at base, tapering to a rounded dome with large integral suspension loop with five facets to the outer face; clanger absent. 160 grams, 83 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The Romans used bells in ritual and secular contexts, when they could be suspended from the necks of animals, worn for talismanic protection or as anklets by servants. -
Roman Glass Face Bulla
Eastern Mediterranean, 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £194
A spherical polychrome glass bead with integral suspension lug, decorated with millefiori face cane slices and geometric motifs. 2.29 grams, 16 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman. -
Roman Silver-Gilt Military Buckle of an Elite Imperial Officer
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
A set of military belt elements comprising: a buckle with rectangular plate, richly decorated with embossed laurel leaves in a grid, framed with raised bosses, the buckle loop comprising opposing dragons with open mouths, holding a spherical tongue-rest, another pair of smaller dragon heads to base, the tongue with a smaller pair of punch-decorated dragon heads; three rectangular belt fittings, two with similar laurel leaf decoration and raised border, the central plaque with two foliate pendants with punched decoration. 390 grams total, 27.5 cm wide
Very fine, excellent condition
Acquired before the 1970s. Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, U.K., thence by decent. 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 no.11588-199387.
Most precious military belts, like this one, were reserved to soldiers belonging to Legiones Palatinae, i.e. the legions forming part of the imperial Comitatus, accompanying the emperor in his military expeditions.
