Roman Silver Bow Brooch

A fragment of a redware oil lamp comprising the discus and shoulder, part of the nozzle and part of the handle; the shoulder with finely moulded running vine scroll ornament; the discus pierced in two places with a scene involving a tree with a roofed structure in the branches, and a child seated with legs dangling over the edge of the platform, playing a wind instrument, a bird perched above the roof, a hare and pursuing hound to the right and a second child on the left descending from the platform on a rope; modern mounting fixed to the reverse, repaired. 81 grams, 12 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

A marble head of a lady or a goddess from a statuette, carved in the round with semi-naturalistic facial features and dressed hair with fillet; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 477 grams total, 12 cm high



London art market, 1988.

The head could represent a late Aphrodite, when compared with heads of the goddess of small late Roman statuettes. In these examples, like here, the goddess’ face is typical of idealised late-mythological statuary, with heavy eyelids, pronounced brow ridges, small lips and a soft jaw.

A bronze pendant comprising male genitals flanked by stubby phalloi above, pierced suspension lug. 19.1 grams, 34 mm



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.