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LOT 0661
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Wreath
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 5/8 in. (138 grams, 11.8 cm).
Lug handle to rear, deep discus with a dome filling hole, another filling hole to the side; wide shoulder with low-relief laurel wreath; low basal ring and incised maker's mark in Greek letters (ΗΙϹΧΛ).
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market, 1980s.
English private collection.
See The Getty Museum, inv.no.83.AQ.377.259, for similar discus motif, in J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, nos.378-379, p.267, type Loeschcke VIII; Bussière form D X 4a.
FootnotesThis form of lamps is characterised by their shoulder decoration - a laurel wreath. This decoration may be treated realistically or be stylised. Both groups appear on lamps found in Italy. The hypothesis that they might only be African imports is contradicted by the signature on many lamps of L.C A E S A E, a prolific Italic lamp maker (late Antonine and early Severan); his products are scarce in North Africa.
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Roman Silver Armilla Bracelet with Hatched Paddle Terminals
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With slender round-section shank flaring to lobe terminals, panel of hatching to each lobe. 11.9 grams, 51 mm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s. -
Roman Marble Head of Dionysus
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £23,400
From a Greek original, wearing a crown of leaves and corymbs, hair falling in straight lines underneath the diadem; full beard composed of four rows of thick tufts with drilled holes; slightly open mouth with a fleshy lower lip; low cheekbones and hollow cheeks; large almond-shaped eyes with lachrymal duct; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 15.8 kg total, 48 cm high including stand
Ex private French collection, early 1960s. Acquired by the current owner in 2011. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Marina Mattei and Dr Laura Maria Vigna. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.129940. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12086-213624.
The head finds comparable parallels with a series of herms representing philosophers, lyricists and the god Hermes, deriving from Greek originals of the 5th century B.C. The reworking of these typologies in a cultured environment is due to the diffusion of sculptures linked to the idea of speculative otium and withdrawal into the bucolic world of which Dionysus was guardian and protector. The typology of the representation associates him with the concept of continuous rebirth and fertility of nature, typical of Dionysus Lenaeus. -
Roman Gilt Bronze Statue Thumb
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Hollow-formed left thumb with detailed nail. 178 grams, 95 mm
Acquired in Europe before 2001. European private collection.
