Roman Silver 'ROMA' Plate Brooch

Mixed group including a standing female, a perching bird and others; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.66 grams total, 7-16 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Two of the gemstones in this collection show cockerels. The motif of fighting or individual cockerels was very popular in the classical world, and individual cockerels (the animal often associated with gods, such as Mercury or Sol/Helios) were also often depicted in a standing position. Another gemstone appears to represent a nude figure of Dionysos/Bacchus draped in a long cloak, and another shows Helios with a radiate crown.

Modelled in the round nude and and raising her right arm, holding the neck of the swan (her animal attribute); left arm descending towards her pubis, legs in contrapposto stance; gusseted drum-shaped base; repaired. 327 grams, 19.5 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., 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 a search certificate number no.12099-218223.

Although the presence of the swan in this position is rather rare, iconographically, this image is part of the abundant series of statuettes of Aphrodite/Venus widely distributed during the Roman Imperial era.

Cuboid type with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 4.82 grams total, 11 mm each



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.