Loading, please wait...
LOT 0136
Roman Terracotta Lion Rhyton
LATE 2ND-EARLY 3RD CENTURY A.D.
8 in. (1.5 kg total, 20.5 cm high including stand).
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.
Provenancewith Sotheby’s London, 9 December 1994, no.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.
Cf. Richter, G.M.A., Animals in Greek Sculpture, Oxford, 1930, pp.3ff; Toynbee, J.M.C., Tierwelt der Antike, Mainz-Rhine, 1983, pp.54ff.; Padgett, J.M. (ed.), Roman Sculpture in the Art Museum Princeton University, Princeton, 2001, p.257, no.97; Liverani, P., Spinola, G., Vaticano, La Sala degli animali nel Museo Pio-Clementino, City of Vatican, 2003.
FootnotesThe 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.
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 0136
Roman Terracotta Lion Rhyton
Estimate £5,000 - 7,000€5,800 - 8,120 (for guidance only)$6,750 - 9,450 (for guidance only)
-
Roman Terracotta Lion Rhyton
Late 2nd-early 3rd century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,222
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, no.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. -
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Goddess Applique
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
The goddess Tyche or Cybele with a facing female bust wearing a mural crown, braided hair cascading to the sides, high-relief lenticular eyes, and small slit mouth, two iron fixing rivets; the lower part with detailed necklace of pendants, catena decorative chain, lateral braids, ferrous fixture; old collector's label 'BR.APP.064' to verso; repaired and mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.66 kg total, 20.5 cm including stand
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.
The crown that characterises the bronze applique (corona muralis = wall crown) was a military decoration using symbolism from the Hellenistic age. Often associated with Tyche (Fortuna), the crown was also an attribute of the goddess Cybele, particularly when made of wood. However, the presence of a necklace similar to a late Roman statuette of Tyche at the Metropolitan Museum of Art seems to point more to the first identification. This bronze applique was probably used as decoration for a chariot used in a procession for the goddess, or as a furniture decoration. -
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With onion-knop terminals, carinated bow with a median band of guilloche decoration; the footplate with ring-and-dot decoration to each end, central guilloche panel with chamfered sides; hinged pin and pierced catch-plate to reverse. 64 grams total, 90 mm
Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
The piercing runs through both the body and catchplate. Such alterations, for the attachment of a securing chain or thong, are not uncommon on heavy brooches, but the hole is usually restricted to the reverse (the catch).
