Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0771
Roman Sheet Gold Phalera Cover Pair with Pelta Shields
4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (7.28 grams total, 64-65 mm).
Comprising two discoid ornamental appliqués with beaded rims, each with repoussé pelta-shaped panel terminating in opposed bird-heads, surmounted by scrolled tendrils and a kantharos enclosed in a laurel crown. [2, No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired in the early 1990s.
From the collection of a London antiquarian.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. Sannazzaro, M., Giostra, C., Petala Aurea, Gold-Sheet-work of Byzantine and Lombard Origin from the Rovati Collection, Truccazzano, 2014, nos.8-9-10, for circular gold sheets with similar decorations; D’Amato, R., Negin, A., Decorated Roman Armour, from the Age of the Kings to the death of Justinian the Great, London, 2017.
Footnotes
The subject represented on these two bracteae is a military shield in the form of a crescent, the so-called pelta, associated in the Late Roman iconography with the Amazon female warriors. This was not necessarily only an iconographic motif, considering that many shields of this typology were represented on the pedestal of the Column of Arcadius in Constantinople (circa 400 A.D.) and they seemed to be associated with the heavy cavalry of the Imperial guard (D’Amato-Negin, 2017, p.252). This could suggest that these gold sheets were applied upon phalerae or military decorations.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Ring with Victory
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Ribbed shoulders and ellipsoid plaque with intaglio winged Victory standing holding an effigy in her outstretched hand. 5.18 grams, 20.76 mm overall, 16.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Eros Statuette Fragment
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Modelled in the round, the left hand of Cupid-Eros gripping the stem of a bloom with three radiating leaves; mounted on a custom-made stand. 46 grams total, 72 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
With three faceted knops to the crossbar, the upper one with beaded collar, and pierced moulding to the upper face, deep bow, stepped junction with foot, trapezoidal foot with ring-and-dot motifs and integral catch; hinged pin to reverse; Keller Type 4. 56 grams, 88 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
