Loading, please wait...
LOT 0117
Roman Terracotta Lamp with Fighting Gladiators
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 7/8 in (84 grams, 12.4 cm).
Composed of a discoid body with sunken discus bearing a scene of two gladiators in combat in relief, tabula ansata below, ring handle and roughly D-shaped nozzle with volutes; old crack to base.
ProvenanceFrom a German collection.
Ex Cambridge, UK, collection, 1980s.
Cf. Gilbert, F., Devenir Gladiateur, la vie quotidienne á l'ecole de la mort, La Capelle-Marival, 2013, pp.30-31, for similar lucernae.
FootnotesThe two gladiators seem to be wearing the armaturae of murmillones. All gladiators began their career as provocatores; the learning of their combat technique was polyvalent and allowed the fighters to specialise as a large shield-bearer (the scutati) like murmillones, or as a small shield-bearer, parmati, like the oplomachus.
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.
LOT 0117
Roman Terracotta Lamp with Fighting Gladiators
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Bronze Patera with Lion Head Handle
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising a shallow discoid bowl with inverted lip, central dome with concentric ring ornament, basal ring; the handle columnar with foliage to the junction, lion-head finial with gaping mouth. 410 grams, 21.2 cm
Acquired Gorny & Mosch, Munich, 25 June 2014, no.86. From the Horton collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Gorny & Mosch catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12062-214252. -
Roman and Later Bronze Artefact Collection
Mainly 1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Including bust of Victory pendant, tanged arrowhead, rosette belt slider, finger rings and other items. 145 grams total, 17-99 mm
Ex Nigel Mills, London, UK. -
.jpg)
Roman Decorated Votive Lead Mirror
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With ribbed handle, discoid plate with raised rib to one face, running scrolls to the other, lateral struts. 43 grams, 11 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Many examples of this category from the Danube region were found in female graves, where they possibly served as grave goods considered appropriate for their connection with general issues of fertility, good fortune, and beauty, or even as protective amulets. Since lead mirror frames have been found in this Roman province only in graves of women, it is probable that these miniature mirrors, fitted with a central glass, were expected to serve as ritual or magical tools to assist souls of dead women in the afterlife.
