Roman Statuette Base

An unusual copper-alloy zoomorphic plate brooch in the shape of a dog with two legs and a long tail, the body characterised by a series of horizontal grooves, raised pins to the front and back, the ones on the back probably for the attachment of the hinged pin. 2.5 grams, 34 mm



Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

This unusual fibula was probably a provincial production. The dog was connected to the Celtic divinities and also with Silvanus, who was associated with healing, hunting, and dogs.

A pottery lamp with triangular ornament handle with palmette above and acanthus leaves below, plain ring behind, concave discus with central filling-hole, two double-volute round tipped nozzles with conspicuous knobs, flat base-ring marked off by two circular grooves. 139 grams, 19.5 cm wide



From a 19th century German collection. Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.

This lamp belongs to the classification of Loeschcke type III (Bailey type D). The type is characterised by a handle ornament that is either figurative or in the shape of a crescent, with decorated triangle, or two-lobed bud; and a usually round-tipped volute-nozzle, exceptionally with angular tip. Lamps may have one or two, or sometimes more nozzles. This type is typical of the Late Neronian-Flavian period.

A copper-alloy appliqué protome in the form of the Flavian Emperor Vespasian, frontal bust in half relief, wearing an exomis leaving his right shoulder uncovered, solid suspension ring to the top of the head. 52.3 grams, 60 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

The realism in the details is remarkable and was achieved through fine modelling. This protome was perhaps set in a medallion to decorate the lower terminal of a fulcrum, an S-shaped couch attachment almost always made of metal which was fastened to the side of a wooden headboard to serve as an elbow-rest on a couch (kline).