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LOT 0829
Romano-British Enamelled Bronze Lid of a Pyxis
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (43.9 grams, 64 mm).
Hexagonal in plan with fastening holes, a band of cobalt blue enamelled spirals around the central aperture, interspersed with floral motifs, all enclosed within a scalloped border. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980s-1990s.
Private collection of H. N., Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK.
Cf. Henderson, J., 'Technological characteristics of Roman enamels' in Jewellery Study, 5, 1991, pp.64-76, fig.6, for similar decoration.
FootnotesScholars have been able to establish the extent to which the manufacture of glass for enamel production was standardised through the Roman Empire during the 1st to 4th centuries. Enamels were probably fused from primary raw materials in specific production centres, one of which has been located in the Gallo-Roman villa of Anthee, France. The decoration with its undulating tendril and pellets in contrasting enamel is influenced by La Tène design of the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.
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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Roman Redware Pottery Fragment Group Including Jonah and the Whale
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Comprising: triangular fragment with raised rim, hindquarters of a lion; irregular fragment of a dish, nude body of a male entwined with tentacles of an octopus; irregular rim fragment with carinated profile and raised outer flange, male figure and large beast (Jonah?) modelled in high-relief. 158 grams total, 6.5-10.5 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. -
Roman Bronze Baubo Statuette
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Standing with hands at her sides, wearing a conical cap, raising her dress to her mouth to reveal her genitals; palmette to the reverse. 26 grams, 48 mm
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. -
Roman Marble Head of a Bearded Man
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210
Carved in the round and probably from a life-size statue or bust of philosopher; depicting an adult male with short tousled hair and a longer 'rim' of wavy tresses at the brow; short curly beard descending to the neck; broad brow with deep-set lentoid eyes; possibly Hadrian, repaired and weather-worn. 13.3 kg, 27 cm
By repute found near Hadrian's Wall, UK. From a collection acquired on the UK art market, circa 1999. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
This head of bearded man, from a statue or bust probably representing a philosopher, is very similar to the representation of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, and though not imperial, can be dated to his age. The bust produces a convincing illustration of how faithful subjects tried to resemble their contemporary Caesars. Although damaged and blackened by some fire or bad weather conditions, the bust of man is distinguished by its perfect execution and good craftmanship.
