Roman 'Thames' Iron Military Horse Bit

Modelled in the round, standing nude with one arm raised above the head and the other bent, probably from a larger ensemble of figures; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 104 grams total, 10.9 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The figure lacks the small dorsal wings which are normally present on a putto, although the curled locks of hair are typical of the type. During the Roman imperial period, children were widely represented in the art of both the public and private spheres. Images of both mortal and divine children appeared in the artworks and furnishings of the home, on the tomb monuments and burial containers associated with the funerary realm.

Modelled in the round as a nude horseman with legs spread, musculature suggested to the chest and abdomen, shoulder-length hair with wavy locks, almond-shaped eyes and snub nose; right hand extended palm-upwards; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 154 grams total, 11 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The type has similarities with representations of Mercury on horseback, who is shown in an identical position. Images of Romano-Celtic rider-gods, possibly associated with the Roman god of war Mars, used similar iconography. There are a number of such rider statuettes from Roman Britain and Gaul, potentially votive offerings to a deity.

With a rounded body and double nozzle with volutes; the body flat with engraved volutes, raised rim and basal ring; to the rear a large crescent with Jupiter (Greek Zeus) to the centre and his eagle with spread wings before him; the god depicted with thick locks and voluminous beard, the eagle with detailed plumage and finely detailed face; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 1.67 kg, 25.7 wide (3.08 kg total,18 cm high including stand)



Old private British collection, pre-1965. Property of a gentleman; acquired in the UK before 2000. Accompanied by a copy of an old black and white photograph. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12034-215425.

Here Jupiter is represented with his attributes connected with the crescent of goddess Luna. According to Bailey, all lamps in the category to which the map belongs, were intended for suspension. Lamps with multiple nozzles gave more light and thus were suitable for lighting large spaces.