Romano-British Bronze Strap End with Bosses

Depicted standing on a rounded base with rim, wearing a long-sleeved tunica talaris and pallium; his right hand hidden in the folds of the cloak and the left hand holding the remains of a scroll or sistrum; simple crepida footwear of Greek typology visible beneath the hem of the cloak; provincial workmanship. 11.4 kg, 41.5 cm high



Ex Paris collection. French gallery, Paris, 1990-2000s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This item has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11926-209625.

The dress and the posture of the character recalls that of the famous 4th century statue of a Roman priest in the Musée de Cluny (Paris) said by many to be the portrait of Emperor Julian II (361-363 A.D.). It has the same posture, the same garments, a scroll in the left hand, and wears the same Greek-style sandals that denote the characteristic costume of a social class.

Lozengiform two-part container with grid to the obverse, enamel fill to the cells. 7.22 grams, 31 mm



Found Southern England. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

With broad shoulder, slender neck, stepped neck and upwards-flaring rim, two applied rectangular handles; iridescent surfaces. 143 grams, 17 cm high



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.