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LOT 0973
Roman Sheet-Gold Phalera Cover with Imperial Bust
4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (4.78 grams, 64 mm).
Discoid ornamental appliqué with raised border enclosing an imperial bust in profile, shown bearded and wearing a diadem and a military cloak. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the early 1990s.
From the collection of a London antiquarian.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Sannazzaro, M., Giostra, C., Petala Aurea, Gold-Sheet-work of Byzantine and Lombard Origin from the Rovati Collection, Truccazzano, 2014, no.10, for a circular gold sheet with imperial image.
FootnotesThe subject is represented as an Imperator or a field general, recalling the image of a victorious emperor. Such iconography was widely in use in the late Roman Empire, and even adopted on the coins of Gothic rulers of Ostrogothic Italy.
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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LOT 0973
Roman Sheet-Gold Phalera Cover with Imperial Bust
Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
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Roman Bronze Genius Statuette
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Modelled standing, wearing a loosely draped himation hanging from the right shoulder, the folds gathered at the left forearm raised to support a patera; mounted on a custom-made stand. 118 grams total, 96 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.
A genius was a local spirit or supernatural helper whose favour could be requested with a libation or small offering. -
Roman Bronze Bust of Mars
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Highly detailed bearded head with thick hair locks surmounted by a pseudo-Corinthian helmet with high crest; the breast covered by a scale armour (squama) fitted with shoulder-guards. 82 grams, 75 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
The pseudo-Corinthian or Apulo-Corinthian helmet, here worn by the divinity, was originally a legionary helmet, which transformed in the late Consular Age into an officer's helmet, to become a typical attribute of the commanders and then of the war god. -
Roman Bronze Eagle with Base
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Modelled in the round on a square base with gusseted sides, standing with head turned and wings spread. 104 grams, 47 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, 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 search certificate number no.12239-222315.
