Superb Roman Bronze Bust of the Goddess Minerva
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 1011365
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$5,675.00
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This superb Roman bronze is a bust of the goddess Minerva. This complete piece is approximately 4.5 inches high, and dates circa 1st century A.D. This beautiful piece is a much better example than what is normally seen, and is a complete intact example. This attractive piece is also in superb condition, save for a small dent at the tip of the nose. This piece has an attractive dark green patina with spotty red highlights, and in addition, this piece has a crest pin and detailed flowing crest that is usually missing relative to this type of piece. This piece also has a detailed scaly aegis fronted by a facing head of Medusa, silver inlaid eyes, and a detailed crested Corinthian helmet seen high on her head. The goddess has a beautiful oval face with her long hair center parted, and a serene upward gaze. The silver inlaid eyes also accentuate the serene facial expression that is portrayed. This piece has an iron pin seen under the piece, and this piece may have been attached to a furniture piece or a private shrine. The worship of Minerva was universally established, and it was the duty of almost every member of Roman society to implore the assistance and patronage of Minerva who presided over sense, taste, and reason. She was also invoked by every artist, and particularly those who worked with wool, embroidery, painting, and sculpture. This piece is very analogous in type and size to an example that was offered in Christies Antiquities, New York, Dec. 2008, no. 141. See attached photo. ($7,000.00-$9,000.00 estimates, $6,250.00 realized.) This piece also sits on a custom metal stand. Ex: Private New York collection. Ex: Harlan J. Berk collection, Chicago, Ill. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Superb Late Roman Storage Amphora
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 968766
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$765.00
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This superb piece is a late Roman storage amphora that dates circa 4th-5th century A.D. This piece is approximately 5 inches high and it is in mint condition, with no repair and/or restoration. This piece is made from a light tan terracotta and was coil made on a potter's wheel. There is also a lid that was form fitted to the top of the vessel when the clay was wet. This vessel also stands by itself, although the handles were made for suspension. This piece has some light gray to spotty dark black dendrites, along with some minute root marks that are seen on the inside surface of the vessel. The outside of this piece has some of these deposits as well, but are not as prevalent. This type of amphora was used to store grains, seeds, and other "dry" type goods. Larger examples of this type were used not only for storage, but also for transport. This piece has a high degree of eye appeal, and is seldom seen with it's accompanying lid. A custom display stand is included. Ex: Private Israeli collection. Ex: David Leibert collection, New York. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Superb Roman Silver Ring with Stylized Heads
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Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Pre AD 1000 item# 943369
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1265.00
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This piece is a superb Roman silver ring that dates circa 2nd-3rd century A.D. This piece is solid silver and was cast as one piece, then it was chased and cold worked after the casting. This piece is approximately a size 8, is 7/16 inches wide at the top, and has a light grey patina. There are some very minute scratches which can be seen under magnification, and this is a good indication of authenticity. This piece has two stylized heads that come together in the center, and these resemble dolphin heads, rather than cow/bull heads. The heads are so stylized that they could be spirit animals as well, and as such, this piece could have originally come from ancient Thrace, where many ancient animal cults were active into the Roman period. This ring could be either a "protector" type ring, or a "power" type ring that captured the power of the animal. This piece is very durable, as it was cast as a solid piece, and can easily be worn today. This pieces comes with a gift box and a custom ring stand. Ex: Private German collection. (Additional documentation is available to the purchaser.) I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Flawless Roman Glass Cup with Ring Base
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Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Glass:
Pre AD 1000 item# 924277
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$875.00
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This beautiful piece is a flawless Roman glass cup that is in mint condition, with no chips and/or cracks. This piece is a blue/green glass, is approximately 2.8 inches high by 3.8 inches in diameter, and has attractive root marks with a multi-iridescent patina. This piece dates circa 2nd century A.D.-early 3rd century A.D., and has a ring base which is normally seen on larger pieces that are classified as "bowls". An analogous example is seen in "Roman and Pre-Roman Glass in the Royal Ontario Museum " by John Hayes, Toronto, 1975, no. 178. This piece is an exceptional scarce roman glass cup/beaker that is designed as a larger "bowl" type. Ex: Fortuna Fine Arts, New York. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Lively and Rare Roman Silver Griffin Vessel Leg
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Antiques:
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Roman:
Pre AD 1000 item# 886914
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2875.00
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This rare and lively piece is a cast Roman silver vessel leg in the form of a griffin. This exceptional piece dates circa 4th century A.D. and is approximately 3.4 inches high. This piece was cast via the "lost wax" technique, and as such, this piece is an individual work of art and is a solid heavy piece. The griffin was a composite mythical creature that was typically having a head, forepart, and wings like those of an eagle, and a body, hind legs, and tail like those of a lion. This piece has a lion's paw base, and the head and wings of an eagle. The wings served as an attachment support to a vessel that may have been made of bronze, as there are bronze deposits seen on the back side of each wing. This bronze vessel may have been supported by two additional silver griffin legs that would have formed a tripod base, but more likely, this bronze vessel may have been a square box, as the support wings seen at the back of this silver piece are set at a forty-five degree angle, and a silver griffin leg would have supported each corner of a square box. The griffin for the Hellenistic Greeks, was a creature that symbolized the destroying power of the gods, and for the Romans, the griffin came to symbolize a protective diety. In Roman art, the griffin was often applied in the decoration of friezes, and one of the finest was at the temple of Antoninus and Faustina in Rome. The use of a griffin, regarding the piece offered here, was probably regarded by the prior Roman owner as a protective type motif, and this vessel was a very valuable one, as the individual griffin support legs were made of silver, and other elements of this vessel could have been made of silver as well. An anlogous designed Roman griffin seen in the form of a bronze lamp handle is illustrated in "Die Welt Von Byzanz-Europas ostliches Erbe", by Herausgegeben von Ludwig Wamser, Theiss Pub., 2001, no. 340. The rare silver piece offered here is an exceptional example of late Roman art, as the face of the griffin has a very lively expression and this serves this piece well as a "protector" type piece. This piece has a dark to light grey patina, along with spotty bronze and minute dark black mineral deposits. This piece is mounted on a custom black plexiglas stand. Ex: Private Austria collection (1980's). Ex: Private German collection. (Additional documentation is available to the purchaser.) I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Roman Bronze Sestertius as Scale Armour
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Antiques:
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Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 872310
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$325.00
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This interesting Roman bronze coin is a bronze Sestertius, and was minted circa 60-68 A.D., and depicts a bust of Nero, who was in power circa 54-68 A.D. This coin is approximately 37mm in diameter, is Very Good quality, and has a nice dark green patina with heavy dark green/brown deposits. There are also four holes seen on this piece, and this likely facilitated leather ties which allowed this piece to be fitted into a composite corslet as scale armour. (See attached drawing.) This type of of Roman armour is known, but is extremely rare, and was not often manufactured by the Romans, although the blending of metal leaves interwoven with fabric, was known by the Greeks as early as the 12th century B.C. in Cyprus. (See "Warfare in Ancient Greece" by Tim Everson, Sutton Pub., United Kingdom, 2004, p. 154-155.) This piece could have served as armour during this period, as Rome had a brief, but quick civil war with four Emperors circa 68-69 A.D. This piece also has a deep mark in the center of the coin that was probably a test cut, rather than a battle mark. The test cut was done in order to test that the metal was 100% bronze, rather than a bronze plated "fourree". This test cut was also probably done when this coin was no longer in circulation, and could have been struck circa 68 A.D., when Nero was replaced by Galba. This coin is an interesting piece that had a dual utility. A custom black plexiglas stand is included, and the piece is easily removable as it is attached with clay. Ex: Private English collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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La Collezione Archeologica Del Banco Di Sicilia
Catalogue:
Traditional Collectibles:
Books:
Contemporary item# 821957
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$385.00
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La Collezione Archeologica Del Banco Di Sicilia is a boxed two volume set that was printed in 1992 by Edizioni Guida Pub. in Palermo, Italy. This beautiful two volume set is virtually unobtainable in the US, and is a superb corpus of ancient Greek ceramics that were produced in Magna Graecia (Southern Italy). If you are a collector of ancient Greek ceramics, this book is an excellent reference, as there are 648 pieces listed with B&W photos in Vol.1, and Vol.2 has line drawings, detailed descriptions, maps, and lavish color photos of the pieces listed in Vol. 1. Vol.1 is organized with sections such as: Vasi Preistorici, Terrecotte, Ceramica Figurata, Corinthian, Attica, Apulia, Siceliota, and Gnathian. Vol. 2 also groups these pieces into double page color fold outs, with catagories such as Fantastic Animals, Female Divinities, Nike Divinities, War Scenes, and Sport Scenes. This edition was printed as a limited edition and has not been re-printed, and is one of the most comprehensive references for ancient Greek ceramics outside the works produced by A.D. Trendall. All of the text is in Italian, and all the pieces have sizes listed, museum inventory numbers, and dates. The condition of this boxed two volume set is mint, save for some wear on the bottom side of the outer box. This is a very valuable reference for the collector, and one that has many pieces listed.
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Into the Antiquities Trade Book
Catalogue:
Traditional Collectibles:
Books:
Contemporary item# 817549
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Price as ordered. Kindle version available at www.amazon.com!
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If you are a neophyte or an advanced collector of ancient art, "Into the Antiquities Trade" by Kevin R. Cheek is a valuable resource and a "must read" for every collector. This book defines and explains the political situation relative to the trade, as seen in the chapter "Who's Who", and clarifies the "pro" and "con" positions that the three different camps take regading the trade. This book also offers the collector a refreshing viewpoint that "there is no better preserver of ancient art than the private collector". This book also has a chapter "Some Things to Look For" that is useful for many collectors, especially when they are considering a purchase of ancient art. In addition, this chapter has information relative to the testing of ancient works of art for authenticity, and the detection of forgeries. This chapter also helps to explain market pricing, and the use of descriptions/terms such as "repair", "as found", and "restoration". The Kindle version can be found at: www.amazon.com! This book is also offered in both soft and hard cover, and can be ordered online at: www.amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, and www.Borders.com. This book can also be ordered at your local bookstore, including additional bookstores found through Google. ISBN Hardcover: 1-4134-3194-1. ISBN Softcover: 1-4134-3193-3. You may also order a signed copy direct from the author, Kevin R. Cheek, by calling 305-785-5315 or 303-321-7351, or email: apoloniaco@aol.com.
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Roman Bronze Satyr Figurine with Wine Skin & Patera
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Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 793075
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$3675.00
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This animated Roman bronze figurine is a standing satyr, who is seen filling a patera from a wineskin. This superb piece dates circa 2nd-3rd century A.D. and is approximately 3 inches high. This standing nude satyr, who is seen filling a patera from a wineskin, has bent knees as he is staggering under the weight of the full wineskin. This slightly chubby creature has a round face, a neat cap of wavy hair with a prominent tuft over his forehead, arched eyebrows, smiling mouth, and pointed ears. These features all give this charming bronze figurine a very animated look, and perfectly depict this satyr as an attendant of the Roman god of wine Bacchus, who along with the satyri, engaged in riotous orgies. The patera, held by this satyr, was also used for Roman wine sacrificial ceremonies, and this piece may represent this type of ceremony as well, as a figurine such as this piece may have been part of a private shrine in a wealthy household. (For an analogous example, see the example from the House of the Centenary, Pompeii, now in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, inventory no. 111495, illustrated in Stefano De Caro, "The National Archaeological Museum of Naples", Naples, Italy, 2001, p.206.) This complete piece is a scarce type, and has a nice dark green patina. This piece is mounted on a custom metal stand. Ex: Private CA. collection. Ex: Fortuna Fine Arts, New York, New York. (Additional documentation is available to the purchaser.) I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Roman Bronze Gladiatorial Ceremonial Sword Hilt
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Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 771544
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$6800.00
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This extremely rare piece is a Roman bronze sword hilt that is in the form of a feathered eagle's head. The eagle is the imperial symbol of Rome itself, and the eyes of the eagle appear to show an intense expression, and this reflects the hard profession of the Roman gladiator. This piece dates circa 1st-2nd century A.D. and is approximately 4.8 inches long by 2.6 inches high. This piece held an iron blade, and the base of the feathered eagle's neck supports a bust of Hercules, which serves as a hand guard. The bust of Hercules is seen with a lion's skin draped over his head, and this depiction of Hercules on a Roman weapon of this type is extremely rare, as Roman bronze sword hilts of this type normally depict a helmeted Minerva. ( For this type with the helmeted Minerva see Christie's Antiquities, London, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Part II, April 2004, no. 173. ) The only other known example of an extremely rare Roman bronze weapon of this type, with the bust of Hercules, is seen in the National Museum Naples, Italy. ( Inventory no. 68308. ) This National Museum Naples example is thought to have come from Pompeii, which had a gladiatorial training school/barracks and one of the earliest gladiatorial amphitheatres in central Italy. This amphitheatre seated twenty thousand spectators, which was many for a small town such as Pompeii. ( For an overview of Pompeii see "Gladiators" by Michael Grant, Barnes and Noble Pub., 1995, pages 40-49.) The exceptional piece offered here may have been used for ceremonial events, as well as combat, and it is also quite possible that the Minerva and the Hercules bust types were used by different types of gladiatorial combatants. This piece is in superb condition for the type, and has a nice dark green patina with spotty red highlights. The box holding the iron blade has a small break seen at the bottom, and this may be battle damage. There is also some spotty wear in sections of the handle and this may also indicate long use of the weapon. An extremely rare weapon that is also a rare type. Mounted on a custom plexiglas display stand, and can easily be removed. Ex: Christie's Antiquities, London, Dec. 1991, no. 182. Ex: Axel Guttmann collection, Berlin, Germany. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Cute Roman Bronze Resting Dog: X-Mildenberg
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 769690
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$965.00
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This cute Roman bronze dog dates circa 2nd-3rd century A.D., and is approximately 1.7 inches long. This little Roman bronze dog is seen resting on the ground and looks very relaxed. This type of piece was collected by Leo Mildenberg of Zurich, Switzerland, who built a collection of ancient animal art. His collection were all of animals that did not display any signs of violence, and this piece is a prime example. There is minute detail seen on this piece and the hair, eyes, ears, and other features are readily seen. This type of dog is a breed that one can see today, and appears to be a mixed breed. This dog also appears to have some age, and probably was an old trusted and loyal pet. This piece has an attractive dark green patina with some spotty light brown mineral deposits, and has some heavy light brown mineral deposits on the bottom of the flat base. There is also a mounting prong seen extended from the bottom base, and this piece may have been part of a figural group. The mounting prong extends down into the custom wooden base, and this piece can easily be removed. Ex: Leo Mildenberg collection, Zurich. Ex: Private Swiss collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Roman Bronze Portrait Bust of a Young Caracalla.
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Antiques:
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Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 665966
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$3675.00
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This Roman bronze portrait bust dates circa 2nd century A.D., and is the terminal end for a leg that served as a table support for a folding tripod. These Roman bronze tripods were portable and moved with the Roman armies and/or wealthy families. This piece had a L-shaped hook at the back that supported a caldron that was at the center of the tripod. This piece is in the form of a portrait bust, and may depict the young Roman emperor Caracalla. This bust also has an attribute relative to Herakles, as the figure is seen wearing a lion's skin cloak. The face has a short cropped beard, a rounded nose, and a wide forehead which are prominent features of Caracalla. The head is slightly turned to the right as are many Roman marble portrait busts during this period. The hair is seen as thick rounded curls which may indicate a wig, as Caracalla was known to have worn a golden haired wig that was arranged in the German style. Caracalla was born in 188 A.D., and in 213 A.D. as emperor, he left Rome for Germany and defeated the Alamanni on the upper Rhine River. Caracalla often wore a flowing Gallic cloak which gave him his nickname, and the bust seen here shows a lion's skin cloak that is not only an attribute of Herakles, but is also an attribute of Alexander the Great. After Caracalla's victories in Germany, he planned an invasion of the Parthian east, and in 214 A.D., he mustered a great army for this oriental expedition, including a phalanx of sixteen thousand men, clothed and equipped like the Macedonians of old. Caracalla liked to see himself as a new Alexander the Great, and this may explain the lion's skin cloak seen on this piece. Caracalla met his end in 216 A.D., near Edessa in Media, and was stabbed to death by supporters of Macrinus. This piece may be a portrait of Caracalla for the reasons noted above, and there is a strong possibility that this stylized image is an image of Caracalla as seen in the guise of Alexander the Great. (The portraiture of Alexander the Great is noteworthy for the wide range of styles that were employed to portray his unique physiognomy. The treatment of the hair, for example, can be long and wavy, while others emphasize the cowlick seen above the forehead which is known as the "anastole". This "anastole" can be seen on the piece offered here, with the hair raising up as a curl from the center of the forehead. For several examples of this hair style see F. Antonovich, "Les Metamorphoses divines d'Alexander", Paris, 1996.) This bust is also analogous to the marble bust of Caracalla that is seen in the Staatliche Museen in Berlin, Germany. (See "The Art of Rome" by Bernard Andreae, Abrams Pub., New York, 1977, no. 551.) This marble bust dates circa 212 A.D., and was created on the occasion of Caracalla becoming sole ruler. This marble bust also has large hair curls and bare arms/upper chest, as seen in the bronze bust offered here. This piece is approximately 3 inches high and is mounted on a custom stand. This piece has a superb dark green patina with spotty dark red highlights. Ex: American private collection. Ex: Sotheby's Antiquities New York, Dec. 2006, no. 122. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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British Celtic Bronze Chariot Terret Ring
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Antiques:
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Pre AD 1000 item# 600190
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1675.00
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This interesting piece is a Celtic bronze ring, otherwise known as a "terret ring". This piece dates circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D. and it was reportedly found in the southern coastal region of the United Kingdom. This piece was mounted on a war chariot and was used as a guide for the horse reins, as the reins would pass through the ring and gave the charioteer more control over the horses. This piece is approximately 2.25 inches high by 2.5 inches wide, and is large enough for two sets of reins to pass through. The design of this piece, with the raised center and oval shape, also allowed for better separation of the two sets of reins. There was also a mounting peg that went up the inside bottom, as this piece has a recess hole. This piece was made during the period when Caius Julius Caesar invaded Britain in 55 B.C. The war chariot, with one charioteer and one warrior with a spear and shield, was new to the Romans as a weapon of war. Chariots were used by the Romans as a method of transport and not as a war machine, and not even the Celts of Gaul used a war chariot. The Romans faced two-wheeled and four-wheeled chariots which carried the warriors into the attack. The war chariot was introduced to Britain in the 3rd century B.C. by the Parisi of Yorkshire, the tribe whose Gaulish capital still bears their name (Paris). The Celtic chariots were made of light wooden frames and were elaborately fitted with bronze fittings and wheels with iron rims. The war chariot is featured in many of the sagas of Celtic mythology and the piece seen here is an excellent representation of the native Celts of Britain. This piece has a graceful shape, has a nice dark green patina, and is complete and intact. (See Bonhams Antiquities, London, Dec. 1995, no.339 for a comparative example. 2500-3500 pounds estimate.) This piece is also mounted on a custom clear plexiglas/marble stand. Ex: Private English collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Roman/Egyptian Bronze Osiris-Dionysos Figurine
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Egyptian:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 599555
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2365.00
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This piece is a Roman bronze that was likely made in Alexandria, Egypt. This piece dates circa 2nd century A.D. and is a complete piece that is seen standing on a plinth. The plinth probably does go with this piece as the patina has matching deposits where the feet meet the top of the base. This rare bronze is likely Osiris-Dionysos and this piece was made to represent more than one god. This figure is seen wearing an Egyptian crown and he is holding a fruit out in his left hand. The fruit may represent the bounty of Egypt, as it was the bread basket of the Roman Empire. This figure is seen nude and this is a Greek convention of art, but this piece was likely made in Egypt, and as such, is a rare Egyptian convention of art as well. The duality of form and purpose of this piece is a reflection of the Romans who lived and worked in Egypt. This piece was probably set up in a shrine in a private home and both gods were probably worshipped at the same time. This piece is approximately 4.2 inches high and the figure itself is approximately 2.9 inches high. This piece has a nice dark green patina with spotty light brown mineral deposits. This piece is mounted with clay on a custom white marble/clear plexiglas stand and the piece can easily be removed. Ex: Christie's Antiquities New York, June 1994, no.191. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Roman Bronze Silenus Applique Figure
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Antiques:
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Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 599095
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$965.00
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This superb Roman bronze piece is an applique with the image of Silenus. This piece dates circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D., and is in the form of a facing head, with an attached peg that extends about 1.5 inches from the back side of the applique. This piece was probably mounted in an object such as a furniture piece, or a bronze and wooden door, or a composite work or arms such as a Roman shield. A piece with this type of design, with the extended peg, could have fit in a number of objects. The Sileni were native not to Greece, but to Phrygia in Roman Asia, and personified the genii of springs and rivers. Unlike the Satyrs who derive chiefly from the he-goat, the Sileni derive rather from the horse, whose tail hooves, and even ears they possess. This piece clearly shows the horse ears and shows Silenus as a fat old man, snub-nosed, always drunk, who was in the retinue of Dionysus. Silenus was the tutor of Dionysus and had helped him form his character. The diameter of this piece is approximately 1.4 inches and the length is approximately 2 inches. This piece has a dark green patina with red highlights and the detail is superb. There are some dark green mineral deposits seen on the extended peg. This piece is mounted with clay on a custom black/plexiglas base and can easily be removed. Ex: Private German collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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