Lot 134B
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A captivating trio of Roman metal miniatures, each once serving as a small yet meaningful object of adornment or daily use. The largest is a lead alloy weight cast in the form of a gorgoneion, depicting the fearsome head of Medusa with curling locks and a wide-eyed visage meant to ward off evil. The middle example, made from leaded bronze, portrays the head of a deity or noble figure, its refined modeling and looped top suggesting it may also have functioned as a pendant or small scale weight. The most petite piece, composed of a tin alloy, is a diminutive figural pendant representing a draped figure standing in quiet repose, perhaps an offering or amuletic charm. Size of largest (Medusa weight): 1.6" W x 2.6" H (4.1 cm x 6.6 cm)
Together, these three artifacts exemplify the Roman fascination with the human form and the apotropaic power of portraiture. Their varied alloys and craftsmanship reflect the broad material culture of the Empire, from personal adornment to practical trade equipment, unified by artistry that imbued even the smallest object with symbolic presence.
Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s
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#197270
- Condition: Figure is missing feet and head weight may be a fragment of a larger figure. Weathering with nicks and abrasions to surfaces throughout. Otherwise, Medusa weight is intact and all have rich patina to surfaces.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |