Roman Silver Key Ring with Dolphins

Modelled in the round, comprising the lower torso and the goat-legs in vigorous motion, the left raised and bent, right leg straight with the genitals leaning against the length of the thigh, stub of the tail to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.4 kg total, 16.5 cm high (24 cm high including stand)



From the collection of Jan Onderdijk, Belgium, before 1980. Acquired by Mr J.R. an antiquarian in the late 1980s. 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.12022-213655.

Statues of satyrs, relaxing, dancing, and pursuing nymphs proliferated during the third century B.C., as the cult of Dionysus, god of wine and the pleasures it bestows, grew in importance. The Romans appreciated portrayals of Satyrs and Silens, and borrowed them from Greek art, the god Pan being one of the favourite subjects. This statuette is probably a Roman copy from a Hellenistic original, similar to the specimen from the Garimberti collection, where the god, with the left leg firmly planted on the ground and the other leg raised, is carrying a basket of flowers and fruit on his back.

Discoid in form with twelve impressed dots, two parallel lines and one perpendicular. 4.5 grams, 18 mm



Found Cirencester, UK, prior to 1999. Acquired 4 February 1999. From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.59. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Celtic & Roman Artefacts book pages where this object is published.

With slender D-section shank flaring to large lobe terminals, transverse incised lines to the neck, pointillé coiled tendril design. 11.7 grams, 58 mm



Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s.