Roman Silver Gilt Bow Brooch

Comprising a lunar pendant with incised linear ornament and suspension loop; votive foot; coin of Claudius; coin of Maximian, London mint; tweezers with simple linear ornament; remains of an equal-arm brooch; lid from a seal box; discoid stud; remains of an implement; bezel and shoulders from a finger ring; stamped lead bar, possibly reading 'IOVIA' 'MARIN'(?). 60 grams total, 18-50 mm



Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.

Modelled in the half-round, nude with eyelids half-closed in sleep; a drapery partly covering the head and wrapping around the lower body under the hips; the hairstyle similar to those of the Antonine Dynasty, the peaceful face supported by the hands and the ear pierced to accept an earring; iron reinforcing rod to the feet and the right arm's armilla a later replacement; upper head restored in Parian marble. 104 kg, 110 cm long (120 kg, 117 cm including stand)



Acquired from G. Rihani, 1987. English private collection. Accompanied by a copy of the purchase invoice, 2 July 1987. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12231-218595

The girl shows exotic features, evocative of Roman North Africa, where a mixed Romano-Berber population lived in one of the richest provinces of the Empire. However, the hairstyle refers to those of the Antonine Dynasty, such as the portraits of the Empress Faustina the Elder. It represents probably a sarcophagus lid of a young noble girl, commissioned by her loving parents. Some restorations, today still visible, were done in ancient times: an iron rod at the feet for reinforcement, the armilla on the right arm sculpted at a later stage, the hole in the ear for the insertion of a lost metal or glass earring, the upper part of the head restored in antique with a portion of Parian marble. The sculpture is a Roman work, but it was inspired by a Hellenistic model, probably from Pergamon.

Penannular bracelet with D-section shank, paired projecting flanges, horse-head finials placed tête-bêche each with ring-and-dot eye and notched mane. 9.9 grams, 59 mm



Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.