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LOT 0108
Roman Votive Iron Military Standard with Faunus and Sol Invictus
3RD CENTURY A.D.
15 in. (1.39 kg total, 38 cm including stand).
Comprising a triangular spearhead-shaped panel with flared split socket; two separate figures attached with rivets: on the left Helios (or Sol) with draped mantle and radiant crown, holding a sphere in his left hand; on the right Faunus (Pan) with two curved horns, a short beard, arms bent forwards, the upper body covered by a hide jerkin and the legs with shaggy fur; mounted on a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
Cf. similar spearhead in Toepfer K.M., Die römischen Feldzeichen in der Republik und im Prinzipat, Mainz, 2011, NZ11, from Saalburg.
FootnotesThe piece is reminiscent of the votive plates in the Dolichenus cult, or possibly of some other cult.
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:
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LOT 0108
Roman Votive Iron Military Standard with Faunus and Sol Invictus
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,470
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Roman Bronze Triple Phallic Pendant
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Amuletic fascinum formed as a crescent with phallus to the right, hand in the fica gesture to the left and male genitals below; loop above for attachment. 27.5 grams, 60 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Silver Snake Head Bracelet
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With narrow D-section shank and lobe terminals with punched snake-head detailing. 6.84 grams, 50 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Lead Coffin Panel with Sphinx, Medusa and Dolphins
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Decorated with stamped patterns including dolphins, gorgoneion, sphinx, floral patterns, motifs with ivy leaves and vertical columns dividing the field into panels. 33.2 kg, 1.72 m
Acquired 1970s-early 1990s. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
There were many ways of burying bodies during the Roman Empire. Although the majority were buried without coffins, there is evidence for wooden coffins, lead-framed wooden coffins, tile burials and lead and stone coffins. This item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section are symbols of the outer-world, including gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples. The roundels featuring the head of Medusa, known for her potent gazes that could turn one to stone, was favoured on sarcophagi and architectural ornaments because it was believed that her image would protect those within. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Very often these sarcophagi were connected by a pipe to the ground above so that mourners could pour offerings into the grave.
