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LOT 0696
Roman Phallic Pendant with Loops
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (52.4 grams, 83 mm).
A bronze horse harness pendant composed of three concentric circles surmounted by a bearded figure to which is attached a suspension ring, the body of the figure engraved and ending with phallic attributes.
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. Fernández González, J.J., ‘Around Eras del Bosque (Palencia) and the pieces of harness from the Roman Necropolis’ in Oppidum, Cuadernos de investigaciόn, no.17, Segovia, 2021, pp.61-76, fig.7, for similar harness pendant.
FootnotesRoman military harness included pendants of various typology, ranging from lunules to other decorative elements, often phallic, with the possible intention of protecting the animal. This particular pendant could be connected to the bearded image of the god Priapus.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Gold Ring with Hermes Gemstone
Late 2nd-early 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
A hollow-formed gold finger ring with inset jasper intaglio of Mercury (Hermes) standing wearing a cloak, holding a caduceus in one hand and a coin-purse in the other. 3.88 grams, 25.81 mm overall, 16.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
Swiss private collection. with Geneve Encheres, Switzerland, 14 December 2017, lot 853. English private collection. -
Roman Goddess Statuette Heads
Circa 1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
A pair of semi-naturalistic bronze statue heads modelled in the round: a female with hair held in a chignon at the nape; figure with hair dressed in short wavy tufts, large eyes with exaggerated eyelashes. 71 grams total, 23-25 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Bronze statuettes of Roman work representing Roman gods and goddesses were widespread all around the empire, and are also known as far as archaeological sites of Jutland and the islands. The two heads represent probably tutela divinities of the home, like Vesta and Juno (Greek Hera). -
Roman Marble Head of a Germanic Warrior
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £15,000
A carved marble head of a Germanic tribesman, modelled naturalistically in the round, directing his gaze upwards left, the eyes with sculpted pupils originally decorated with stone insertions, his face framed by voluminous short curls swept up off the forehead, sideburns and a moustache. 5.6 kg, 21 cm
Two neck creases, but in general good condition.
Ex Mario Fumasoli (1901-1989) collection, Switzerland, acquired between 1940-1970; thence by descent. with Christie's London, 24th October 2013, lot 92. Private Swiss collection since 1998. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. 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.11583-198975.
The head was possibly part of a statue or from a relief representing barbarian prisoners or warriors, maybe a part of a monument commemorating the campaigns of Marcus Aurelius along the lower Danube, recorded in his famous column in Piazza Colonna, Rome.
