Loading, please wait...

Romano-British Bronze Priapus Statuette Romano-British Bronze Priapus Statuette Romano-British Bronze Priapus Statuette
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0996

Romano-British Bronze Priapus Statuette

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

1 1/2 in. (14.1 grams, 40 mm).

Modelled in the round, standing, wearing a paenula, his hands holding up the hem to support a pile of fruits on his erect penis.

Provenance

Found Lincolnshire, UK.

Literature

Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 136, for type.

Footnotes

This is one of the most characteristic representations of Priapus: standing, with long, smooth hair. With his hands, he raises his tunic, revealing his phallus, a symbol of fertility and good luck, and carries the first fruits of the earth on the hem of his tunic.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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 0996

Romano-British Bronze Priapus Statuette

Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Roman Terracotta Unguentarium Bottle
    Roman Terracotta Unguentarium Bottle
    1st-4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £78

    Comprising a bulbous body and tall tubular neck with everted rim. 180 grams, 13.3 cm



    From the collection of Mr W.A. Stewart, Director of School of Arts and Crafts, Cairo, 1919-1929. Acquired Christie's, London, Antiquities, Works of Art and Important Renaissance Bronzes, Plaquettes and Limoges Enamels, 8 July 1981, no.126 (part). From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue page.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Bronze Ring with Seated Fortuna Gemstone
    Roman Bronze Ring with Seated Fortuna Gemstone
    2nd-3rd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £33

    D-section hoop and ellipsoid bezel with inset gemstone, intaglio motif of a seated goddess holding a sword blade-uppermost. 2.03 grams, 21.6 mm overall, 15.7 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



    with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Gemstone Collection
    Roman Gemstone Collection
    2nd-3rd century A.D.

    Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £250

    Including profile bust, standing figure and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.89 grams total, 9-14 mm



    From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list