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LOT 0667
Romano-Egyptian Terracotta Figure of a Slave with Fruit Basket
1ST CENTURY A.D.
6 7/8 in. (286 grams, 17.5 cm).
Hollow-formed figure of a servant with grotesque facial features, pointed cap and a short tunic, carrying a pouch in the right hand and shoulders an overflowing fruit basket on the left; a large recess between his legs may be for the insertion of an oversized model phallus; pierced lug to rear of neck for suspension.
ProvenanceAcquired from Galerie Puhze, Freiburg, between 2002 and 2010.
From the collection of R. L., Lower Saxony.
Ex Gorny & Mosch, auction 300, Munich, no.75.
Accompanied by a certificate from Galerie Günter Puhze and a German export licence.
Cf. Gods, Tombs & Grotesques - Clay Figures from Everyday Life in Roman Egypt, Exhibition Hamburg, 1991, no.104; Loeben C.E. - Wiese, A. B. Köstlichkeiten aus Kairo! Die ägyptische Sammlung des Konditorei- und Kaffeehaus-Besitzers Achille Groppi (1890-1949), Basel, Antikenmuseum und Sammlung Ludwig; Hannover, Museum August Kestner, 2008, p. 50, fig. 45, for similar.
FootnotesGrotesque and exaggerated figurines were produced in late Hellenistic times, especially in Alexandria. The artisans, fascinated with realism, started to reproduce scenes and figures from daily life, and seemed to have a preference for emphasis on ill and deformed persons. The characters with caricature features are usually referred to as grotesques.
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 0667
Romano-Egyptian Terracotta Figure of a Slave with Fruit Basket
Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
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Roman Enamelled Bronze Plate Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Comprising eight radiating enamelled lanceolate cells with central stud; pin-lugs, pin and catch to reverse; the enamel restored. 9.21 grams, 32 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bifacial Lead Pendant with Busts
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Discoid in plan with integral suspension loop, obverse with right-facing profile bust wearing a solar crown, reverse with bearded profile bust with topknot. 4.42 grams, 21 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
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Roman Bronze Hunchback Grotesque Statuette
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Modelled in the round, sitting nude with head turned, arms and legs bent; wearing a brimmed cap with a feather in the crown; the spine and sternum modelled protruding, large, impressed eyes, genitals protruding below the crossed legs. 130 grams, 93 mm
Acquired from Helios Ancient Art, Mayfair, London, UK, circa 1986. From a privately held London, UK, collection from the 1980s-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13276-253965.
Such small bronzes with physical abnormalities and exaggerated features served as entertainment, but also had the function of warding off evil.
