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LOT 0114
Roman Terracotta Foot Lamp
2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (112 grams, 12.2 cm).
Mould-made and shaped as a sandaled left foot, filling-hole surrounded by a ridge in the ankle area, the sandal with two leather straps tied together near the ankle, wick-hole in the big toe; inscription 'ƩΑΛΣΙϹ' to the base, heel chipped.
ProvenanceWith Gorny & Mosch, Auction 194, 14 December 2010, lot 505.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11799-206830.
See Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, no.599, p.438.
FootnotesThis lamp belongs to a type of plastic lamp made in Anatolia and widespread throughout the Eastern Empire. The sandaled foot was part of the classification of plastic lamps dedicated to the representation of the human body. These lamps were the luxuries of the poor, being brought to temples as votive offerings, however some took their place in the domestic lararia, or were kept by children as playthings.
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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Eastern Roman Silver Ring with Victory Holding Wreath and Palm Branch Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
With circular hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel flanked by two bosses; the bezel set with a carnelian gemstone engraved with the winged goddess Victory, dressed in a chiton with overfold, walking on tiptoes to the left and holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and a palm branch in her left. 3.20 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
This type derives from a statue by Lysippos and appears on statues, reliefs, coins, and gems for purposes of political propaganda. In some variants on gems, Victory has her foot up on a globe, is seated and wears a helmet, an Erote gives her a palm, or the shield is propped against a trophy, a column or a palm tree. -
Roman Terracotta Lion Rhyton
Late 2nd-early 3rd century A.D.Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,000
Modelled naturalistically in the round in an advancing pose with face, muzzle and tooth detailing within the open mouth, the tufts of the animal's mature mane individually rendered; filling hole on the back; the mouth open acting as a spout; North African workmanship; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.5 kg total, 20.5 cm high including stand
with Sotheby’s London, 9 December 1994, lot 221. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by copies of relevant Sotheby's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11797-206532.
The lion was famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labour, but it was also linked with the cult of the goddess Cybele, where it is usually represented sculptured in relief on either side of her throne. -
Roman Terracotta Lion Mould
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
The amorphous fragment with a mould in the form of a lion advancing left to one face, one front paw raised. 107 grams, 10.4 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.