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LOT 0940
Roman Round Nozzle Terracotta Oil Lamp
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
3 5/8 in. (46 grams, 92 mm).
Discoid body with large central filler hole and lug handle behind; broad shoulder with radiating scales, concentric rings to the rim; incised basal ring; with old auction house tag '455 2'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Weschler's Auctioneers, Washington, D.C., USA, in 1982, no.455.
Accompanied by a copy of a receipt dated 26th September 1982.
Cf. Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, no.333, p.233, for type.
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 Head of Eros, the Greek God of Love
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,000
Carved in the half-round with undercuts to the curly hair, fleshy facial features; attachment ring to reverse. 2.02 kg, 17.5 cm
Acquired on the French art market, 13 November 2022. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13086-249672.
The finely sculpted head represents a young child, probably intended as Eros (Cupid). Such depictions were produced in numerous variations to illustrate the stages of childhood and the capacity of children to undertake meaningful or symbolic actions. The softly modelled features and gentle expression recall the celebrated work of Boethos', The Boy Strangling the Goose, as well as the widespread images of Eros and the Erotes found throughout Graeco-Roman sculpture and painting. In Graeco-Roman art, representations of children occupied an important and evolving role. Initially, youthful figures were portrayed as miniature adults, but from the 4th century BC onwards - particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods - artists began to study children’s anatomy more closely, reproducing their characteristic proportions and expressions with naturalistic sensitivity. The figure of Eros, the constant companion of Aphrodite, became the quintessential model of the child in ancient art, identifiable by his traditional attributes of wings and bow. As evidenced by numerous statuettes and wall paintings unearthed at Pompeii, scenes of childhood were among the most popular subjects for adorning the gardens and interiors of wealthy Roman villas. These figures appear in lively and varied activities - playing, working, performing, or interacting with animals such as birds, hares, and dolphins - celebrating both the charm and vitality of early life within an idealised artistic vision. -
Roman Bronze Lamp Holder Shaped as Arm
Circa late 2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £702
Comprising a tapering square-section spike below a stepped flange, columnar arm developing to a clenched fist with vertical socket. 429 grams, 27.5 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Late Roman Gnostic Hematite Gemstone with Standing Figure
3rd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Discoid with chamfered edge, standing youth on a baseline with patera in one hand, sword at his hip, enigmatic legend above 'HICAPH[.]K'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3 grams, 20 mm
Acquired in 1994. Private collection, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12867-241734.