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LOT 0102
Roman Solid Silver Figure of a Goddess
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (11.8 grams, 41 mm).
Standing female wearing a loosely draped robe draped over her head, the hem gathered at her waist and held in her left hand, right hand raised in greeting; probably a priestess of Vesta.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, 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 search certificate number no.12227-222180.
Cf. bronze statue of empress Julia Aquilia Severa, sometime priestess of Vesta and later wife to Emperor Elagabalus, dating from 220/222 AD, now in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
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:
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LOT 0102
Roman Solid Silver Figure of a Goddess
Estimate £1,800 - 2,400€2,090 - 2,780 (for guidance only)$2,430 - 3,240 (for guidance only)
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Stone Minerva Statuette House Altar
Roman, 2nd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Square-section with stepped base, gussetted collar and two parallel bars to the upper face; inscribed 'DEAE.MINERV[AE] / LVCIVS.PLAC[IDUS] / VITELLI.FIL[IVS].V[OTUM] / S[OLVIT].L[IBENS].M[ERITO]' (to the goddess Minerva, Lucius Plac[idus] son of Vitellius, discharges the vow freely, as is deserved); the inscription highlighted in crimson. 5.3 kg, 21.2 cm high
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Votive inscriptions follow a set pattern, since they were dedicated to a god or goddess to thank them for something they had done in response to a prayer. The person dedicating the stone would have previously promised to do this if the god answered their prayer. The formulation V.S.L.M. (votum solvit libens [or libenter] merito = in willing fulfilment of a vow) is attested for example at Bath, or on the Arae of the Hadrian's Wall. -
Roman Key with Bear's Head Handle
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With an iron shank; the handle with a large finial formed as a growling bear with stylised detailing. 87.7 grams, 93 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Blue Glass Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £26
Restrung designer necklace of graduated annular and tubular beads with a milky blue oval pendant. 15.07 grams, 38 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
