Roman Silvered Bronze Bow Brooch

Of roughly spherical form, opaque polychrome checked design incorporating two stylised human faces. 1.34 grams, 10 mm



Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.

From the upper part of a vessel with two hippocampi (one partial) and a standing figure of a Nereid, floral and foliage decoration to the field, ornamental upper border; repaired. 77 grams, 12 cm



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

The complete vessel probably represented scenes linked with the cult of Poseidon and Amphitrite. The riches of the sea and the dangers of navigation were merged by the ancients into a myth of great fame known as the wedding procession between Poseidon - brother of Zeus and Hades, god of the sea and the Nereid Amphitrite. The Nereids were the divinities of the sea, grandchildren of the ocean. Like the nymphs, all the Nereids were beautiful young women who spent their time singing or weaving. Also involved in the procession were the tritons and hippocampi, who provocatively played shells or were ridden by Nereids.

Modelled seated on its rump with forepaws before the body, head erect with gaping mouth exposing sharp teeth; detailing to the coat and face. 31.5 grams, 39 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.