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LOT 0216
Romano-Parthian Bone Idol of a Female
EASTERN ROMAN, 3RD CENTURY B.C.-2ND CENTURY A.D.
7 1/2 in. (77 grams, 19 cm high).
Depicting a female figure with elaborately tied hairstyle, semi-naturalistic facial and anatomical detailing and geometric detailing to the garment wrapped around her lower body; stub arms; copper-alloy rivets to the shoulders.
Provenancewith a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
LiteratureSee The British Museum, museum number 1853,1219.60, for a comparable (partial) figure.
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 Bronze Nymph Riding a Phallus
2nd-3rd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £520
Figurine modelled in the round of a phallus supported on two zoomorphic legs with a smaller phallus to the rear, ridden by a nude female with her left hand gripping a separate object (absent), possibly a wine-cup; mounted on a custom-made stand. 42 grams total, 62 mm including stand
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.
Based on the amuletic tintinnabulum winged and two-legged phallus. -
Roman Silver Ring with Later Apollo Gemstone
3rd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £572
With a substantial hoop with fluted shoulders, bezel set with a later orange carnelian intaglio, engraved with an image of standing Apollo holding a wreath and patera, palm frond and an amphora on a baseline. 12.81 grams, 25.23 mm overall, 18.89 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Silver Miniature Herm
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Comprising a square-section tapering body with lateral stub arms; head of Mercury (Greek Hermes) above with applied twisted gold collar, low-relief shoulder panels, genitals modelled in the round, low-relief horned figure below. 27 grams, 52 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12103-218207.
This object, was likely votive and perhaps belonged to a small domestic altar of the Roman imperial era, reproduced in miniature size a Hermaic pillar. These were terminals made of stone or wood which were often placed on the roads, near crossings; they served to indicate the right path and therefore were supposed to protect travellers when travelling. In Roman times, these pillars were often topped with busts or portraits and were also found in the gardens of wealthy homes; gods (Hermes and Bacchus in particular) or philosophers were the subjects thus represented.
