Roman Silver Figure of a Man

Each a cube with hollow centre and ring-and-dot markings disposed around the voids: 1:6, 2:5, 3:4 to voided face on each. 3.31 grams total, 11 mm each



From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.69.

Standing erect wearing a draped toga, bearded and with thick bowl-cut hair. 9.05 grams, 39 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s.

Modelled in the round, standing nude with one arm raised above the head and the other bent, probably from a larger ensemble of figures; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 104 grams total, 10.9 cm 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.

The figure lacks the small dorsal wings which are normally present on a putto, although the curled locks of hair are typical of the type. During the Roman imperial period, children were widely represented in the art of both the public and private spheres. Images of both mortal and divine children appeared in the artworks and furnishings of the home, on the tomb monuments and burial containers associated with the funerary realm.