Loading, please wait...
LOT 0601
Roman Silvered Bronze Double Dolphin Brooch
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (13.3 grams, 32 mm).
With openwork body formed as two dolphins leaping in tandem, with simple detailing to the fins; on the reverse pin lug and catchplate. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
Cf. Hattatt, R., Ancient Brooches and Other Artefacts, Oxford, 1989, item 1641.
FootnotesTwin dolphin brooches were found in Wiltshire, but they are more typical of the Roman territory of Pannonia, The hinge was usually placed below the bodies towards the tails, so that when worn win the pin point uppermost the dolphins faced upwards instead of downwards.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Inscribed Orange Sardonyx Gemstone with Philosopher Seated Under a Tree
1st century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
The oval stone engraved with an old man (a philosopher?) seated on a stone, wearing a low cap, half naked and with the cloak covering his leg; his right hand resting beside him, and his left hand raised in the act of speaking; a tree behind, inscription in Greek letters 'ψίω' (= eat). 1.01 grams, 13 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
A particularly recognisable representation in Graeco-Roman art was that of a male character, with a bald head and a slightly pointed beard, seated in profile on a simple seat or on a rock. It represents the philosopher, who often has his hand raised in the gesture of speaking or holds a volume in his hands, characterised according to the rules of cynicism, by the bare torso and the cloak that covers his legs. The inscription refers to the imperative to 'feed' on knowledge. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Demeter Holding Ear of Corn
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
Set in a silver mount with beaded edge; the intaglio depicting Demeter draped, advancing left and holding ear of corns in her right hand. 2.21 grams, 19 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Demeter and Hecate were linked to the afterlife cult, so it is possible that the ring to which the bezel belonged was a funerary gift. Demeter (Ceres for the Romans) was the Greek goddess of the harvest, the cycle of life and death and sacred law. -
Roman Gold Earring Pair with Green Glass and Pearl Drops
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
Each composed of an ear hoop with hook-and-eye closure, rectangular box setting inlaid with green glass, faux ropework flange, two chain link dangles below featuring pearl beads. 3.15 grams total, 29 mm each
From the collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.
