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LOT 0688
Roman Redware Pottery Sherd with Achilles and Thetis
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
7 in. (202 grams, 18 cm).
From the upper part of a vessel, displaying a frieze of profile images and figural scenes from Graeco-Roman mythology: a musician in late Roman garments playing a harp (Orpheus?), a seated woman weaving with a distaff in her hand (Penelope?), a kneeling naked woman imploring a naked warrior fighting with shield and spear (Achilles and Thetis?). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1990s.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und die Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch-Altenburg, 2017, item 697, for a frieze in similar style.
FootnotesThis terra sigillata fragment appears to have been part of a large tray. Elements of dying paganism were still used to celebrate the deeds of the new imperial heroes. Note the detailed late Roman clothing of the harpist, with a chlamys-paludamentum on the right shoulder and the tunic decorated with clavi and orbiculi.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bone Venus Statuette
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Roman Gold Pendant with Garnet Gemstone Depicting Victory
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Acquired from Royal Athena Gallery. From a major London, UK, collection, 1970s. Ex property of a North London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.
The winged goddess of victory not only represented a specific deity, but for the Romans she was the symbol of Rome's invincibility. She was not only the emperor's permanent companion but his guarantee for his success in military campaigns. For this reason she was frequently represented on monuments, standards and on coins, gems and statuettes.
