Ancient Roman Bone masterpiece Venus Hairpin. 11,2 cm L. 1st - 2nd Century AD
03
days
17
hours
41
minutes
59
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Current bid
€ 120
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,200 - € 2,500
 | €120 | |
|---|---|---|
| €110 | |
| €100 | |
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Ancient Roman bone hairpin, 11.2 cm long, with Venus Pudica motif, dating to the 1st–2nd century AD, in good condition, provenance Ancient private collection (London), acquired in 2007, authentic original, titled 'masterpiece Venus Hairpin'.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Hairpin decorated wiht a Venus Pudica
- very fine - masterpiece -
Roman Empire, 1st - 2nd Century AD
Bone
11,2 cm long
Provenance: Ancient private collection, A.R., London. Acquired in the london art market in 2007.
Condition: Good, intact, see photos.
Roman pins were probably used to facilitate the elaborate female hairstyles of the period. The hair would have to be twisted and coiled, to prevent the smooth pin from falling out. Examples of hair pins have been found in a wide array of materials, such as bone, bronze, glass, and stone. Most were decorative in design, occasionally boasting ornate figurative heads in the shape of animals, plants, or deities.
The Venus Pudica (“modest Venus”) is one of the most influential iconographic types in Classical art. The term refers to representations of the goddess Venus, or Aphrodite in Greek culture, shown nude while attempting to cover her body with her hands. This gesture, which simultaneously conceals and draws attention to the figure’s nudity, became a powerful symbol of feminine beauty, modesty, and sensuality. The origin of this type is generally associated with the famous statue of Aphrodite created by Praxiteles in the fourth century BCE, which was considered revolutionary because it depicted the goddess completely nude.
During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the Venus Pudica motif was widely reproduced in marble statues, bronze sculptures, and decorative artworks. Roman patrons admired Greek artistic traditions and commissioned numerous copies for public buildings, gardens, baths, and private villas. These sculptures emphasized idealized proportions, graceful posture, and refined craftsmanship, reflecting cultural values associated with beauty and divinity.
The popularity of the Venus Pudica extended beyond monumental sculpture into the realm of small personal objects. Among these were hairpins, mirrors, cosmetic containers, and jewelry decorated with miniature representations of the goddess. Hairpins, often made of bone, ivory, bronze, or precious metals, sometimes featured carved figures of Venus at the top. These objects served both practical and symbolic purposes. While used in daily grooming and hairstyle arrangement, they also expressed the owner’s appreciation of elegance, femininity, and classical culture.
The appearance of Venus Pudica imagery on such intimate items demonstrates how artistic ideals circulated throughout different levels of society. Rather than being confined to temples or elite collections, the image became part of everyday life. Through both large-scale sculptures and small decorative objects, the Venus Pudica remained a lasting embodiment of beauty, modesty, and artistic excellence in the classical world.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateHairpin decorated wiht a Venus Pudica
- very fine - masterpiece -
Roman Empire, 1st - 2nd Century AD
Bone
11,2 cm long
Provenance: Ancient private collection, A.R., London. Acquired in the london art market in 2007.
Condition: Good, intact, see photos.
Roman pins were probably used to facilitate the elaborate female hairstyles of the period. The hair would have to be twisted and coiled, to prevent the smooth pin from falling out. Examples of hair pins have been found in a wide array of materials, such as bone, bronze, glass, and stone. Most were decorative in design, occasionally boasting ornate figurative heads in the shape of animals, plants, or deities.
The Venus Pudica (“modest Venus”) is one of the most influential iconographic types in Classical art. The term refers to representations of the goddess Venus, or Aphrodite in Greek culture, shown nude while attempting to cover her body with her hands. This gesture, which simultaneously conceals and draws attention to the figure’s nudity, became a powerful symbol of feminine beauty, modesty, and sensuality. The origin of this type is generally associated with the famous statue of Aphrodite created by Praxiteles in the fourth century BCE, which was considered revolutionary because it depicted the goddess completely nude.
During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the Venus Pudica motif was widely reproduced in marble statues, bronze sculptures, and decorative artworks. Roman patrons admired Greek artistic traditions and commissioned numerous copies for public buildings, gardens, baths, and private villas. These sculptures emphasized idealized proportions, graceful posture, and refined craftsmanship, reflecting cultural values associated with beauty and divinity.
The popularity of the Venus Pudica extended beyond monumental sculpture into the realm of small personal objects. Among these were hairpins, mirrors, cosmetic containers, and jewelry decorated with miniature representations of the goddess. Hairpins, often made of bone, ivory, bronze, or precious metals, sometimes featured carved figures of Venus at the top. These objects served both practical and symbolic purposes. While used in daily grooming and hairstyle arrangement, they also expressed the owner’s appreciation of elegance, femininity, and classical culture.
The appearance of Venus Pudica imagery on such intimate items demonstrates how artistic ideals circulated throughout different levels of society. Rather than being confined to temples or elite collections, the image became part of everyday life. Through both large-scale sculptures and small decorative objects, the Venus Pudica remained a lasting embodiment of beauty, modesty, and artistic excellence in the classical world.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1st - 2nd Century AD
Name of object
masterpiece Venus Hairpin. 11,2 cm L. 1st - 2nd Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2007
Material
Bone
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
