Roman to Post Medieval Artefact Group

Modelled in the round probably using Parian marble, head of a youth depicted turning slightly to his left, hair trimmed in the Julian style; believed to be of Gaius Iulius Caesar Vipsanianus (20 B.C.- 4 A.D.); mounted on a custom-made stand. 17.4 kg total, 48 cm high including stand



Acquired on the London art market in the 1970s by the previous owner’s late father. with Christie’s London, 25 April 2007, no.260. UK private collection, London. Anonymous sale, Bonhams, London, 16 April 2015, no.130. 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 a search certificate number no.163499-10061.

Gaius Caesar (20 B.C.-4 A.D.) and his brother Lucius Caesar (17 B.C.-2 A.D.) held significant positions in the political and dynastic plans of Emperor Augustus. Born to Augustus' daughter Julia and his advisor Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, they were adopted by Augustus in 17 B.C. to become his heirs, since he lacked natural-born sons. Portraits of the brothers depicted them as resembling Augustus, indicating their importance within the imperial family. Gaius' portraits were classified into five types, with this head identified as Type IV, likely created in 1 A.D. to celebrate his consulship. A similar portrait of Gaius exists in Corinth alongside his brother and Augustus. In 1 B.C., Gaius was appointed to govern the eastern provinces, where he successfully negotiated a peace treaty with Parthia's King Phraates V. However, tragedy struck when Gaius fell ill in Anatolia and died at 23, following the death of his brother Lucius. These deaths disrupted Augustus' plans for succession and led him to adopt Tiberius, his stepson, who eventually became emperor in 14 A.D.

Modelled in the round nude and and raising her right arm, holding the neck of the swan (her animal attribute); left arm descending towards her pubis, legs in contrapposto stance; gusseted drum-shaped base. 327 grams, 19.5 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12099-218223.

Although the presence of the swan in this position is rather rare, iconographically, this image is part of the abundant series of statuettes of Aphrodite/Venus widely distributed during the Roman Imperial era.

The goddess standing, wearing an Ionic chiton and himation, the folds cascading to the floor; her left hand holding a cornucopia supported on her forearm and shoulder, her right hand extended, her centre-parted wavy locks fastened with a band, pulled back in a chignon at the nape of her neck and surmounted by a modius; mounted on a custom-made display stand with collector's label to the underside. 230 grams total, 99 mm including stand



From an old French collection. Acquired from Gallery Drees Archéo, 2008. Ex Gilles Grimm collection. Property of a French collector. Accompanied by a copy of the 2008 invoice.