Roman Plate Brooch Collection

A square plaque from a casket or votive panel with the embossed image of the Muse Terpsichore, dressed in a short sleeved tunica talaris, standing with the weight on the right leg, the other leg bent in front of the body, the right hand holding a lyre hanging from a strap, in the left hand a staff; inscription in late Latin beside the right part of the head reading 'TEPSECORE'; the figure framed with an embossed edge; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 41 grams total, 10.6 cm high including stand

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1970s. Ex London collection.

The plaque probably came from a casket similar to the one of Carnuntum, which represent the images of the Muses on one side and biblical scenes to the other side. These scenes were popular motifs in Late Antiquity, where caskets with Christian and mythological images were widespread, especially in Pannonia.

A skilfully carved life-size marble head of a female (possibly Artemis, a Muse or an Amazon) with centrally parted hair composed of wavy strands and tied in a ponytail at the back; serene facial expression, almond-shaped eyes and small mouth with slightly parted lips; some restoration; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 14 kg total, 38 cm high including stand



Ex private collection, Monaco, 1960s-1970s. Acquired from the Monaco Fine Arts on 4th November 1992. Private collection of Mr & Mrs Daniel, Monaco. Acquired by the present owner from David Aaron Gallery in 2019. 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 searcher certificate number no.11569-197722.

The youthful head seems to be based on the Greek Attic Artemis Colonna type of the 4th century B.C. The composition of the head is powerful with a serene countenance, its physiognomy replete with the idealised quality characteristic of Greek classical sculpture. This classic influence is best seen in the perfect almond- shaped eyes with their sharply carved lids as well as the smooth contour of the face. The rich handling of the coiffure and the smooth quality of the face can suggest a date sometime during the Hadrianic (117 to 138 A.D.) or early Antonine periods.

A lead seal tag bearing two oval-shaped impressions containing figural motifs: the smaller impression possibly a standing winged figure facing right; the larger impression portraying a standing figure holding an object. 15.19 grams, 36 mm



Acquired in the 1970s. Important European collection.