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LOT 1984
Theriaca 'Venice Triacle' Lead Box Lid
ITALY, VENICE, 17TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (31 grams, 45 mm).
Discoid in plan with lip to underside, central low-relief motif of a laureate and draped Roman-style bust with a nimbate lion of St. Mark, within a band inscribed 'TERIACA F ALLA TESTA DORO IN VENET'; all within outer band containing laurel wreath.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
PublishedPublished in the article: Rooting Out Snakes And Fakes.
FootnotesTheriaca or ‘Venice treacle’ was a medicinal compound used since the time of Mithradates VI of Pontus as an antidote against any poisonous bite.
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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Possibly made by the British Museum. From a West Country, UK, private collection. -
Neoclassical Roman Style Stone Krater
18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Comprising a cylindrical body and bell-shaped mouth with egg-and-dart detailing to the rim; segmented lower body with round-section strap handle; lotus-flower foot. 2.92 kg, 27.2 cm
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Italian Bronze Hand-Shaped Desk Seal
17th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Formed as a left hand with flange rim to the cuff and wrist, ring to the third finger; stud to the reverse with geralfic seal, heater shield with helmet and lambrequin, underside with stud and profile bust. 453 grams, 13.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13087-249670.
In the 17th century, Italian noble seals were crucial heraldic instruments, depicting family crests, often surmounted by crowns (counts, marquises, princes) or helmets, and enriched with family specific symbols (e.g., vines for the Panevinos), portraits on horseback, or elements linked to ecclesiastical offices (papal keys) to authenticate documents, reflecting the prestige and authority of noble houses and civic patricians.
