Ancient Roman Bronze Very fine chariot fitting with a bust of Attis, with Spanish Import License - 14.5 cm
03
days
11
hours
55
minutes
32
seconds
Current bid
€ 500
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,900 - € 3,600
 | €500 | |
|---|---|---|
| €480 | |
| €460 | |
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Very fine bronze chariot fitting with a high-relief bust of Attis, dating to the Roman Imperial period (2nd–3rd century AD) and approximately 14.5 cm high, acquired from a German auction house in 2026 from a French private collection with a Spanish import licence.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Finely modelled bronze fitting featuring the high-relief protome of the youthful god Attis. The deity wears the characteristic Phrygian cap, with its forward-curving pointed form, while his youthful face is framed by abundant, deeply modelled wavy hair swept backwards. The modelling of the facial features and the voluminous treatment of the hair create a strong three-dimensional effect. The appliqué was produced using the lost-wax casting technique, with subsequent cold-working used to refine details of the hair and facial features. The surface displays a rich brown patina with darker areas and natural wear to the most prominent relief surfaces, particularly the face and hair, enhancing the archaeological appearance of the piece.
This bronze applique dates to the Roman Imperial period, approximately the 2nd–3rd century AD, when religious traditions from across the Roman Empire were widely integrated into Roman culture. The figure represents Attis, a Phrygian deity closely associated with Cybele, the Magna Mater. His cult became established throughout the Roman world and was particularly connected with themes of vegetation, death, renewal and rebirth. Attis was commonly depicted wearing the characteristic Phrygian cap, an attribute that identified his eastern origins. Bronze appliqués featuring divine and mythological figures were used as decorative fittings on prestigious objects and equipment, including vehicles and equestrian or ceremonial furnishings, where they could combine decorative, symbolic and protective functions.
Provenance: French private collection. Acquired in auction house in Paris on 2008. Acquired in auction house from Germany on 2026.
Statement seen by Catawiki. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Due to Switzerland customs regulations, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland
Seller's Story
Ifergan Gallery – Ancient Art is an antique art gallery located in Malaga, with more than 10 years of experience specializing in ancient art and archaeology. The pieces we offer come from the Ifergan Collection Museum, which guarantees their historical value and quality. Our goal is to bring authentic archaeological pieces to both collectors and those who wish to start collecting, offering original works for different budgets and always with the maximum guarantees. All our pieces have been legally acquired and are shipped with a certificate of authenticity and export permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with fast and secure shipping via DHL Express.
Finely modelled bronze fitting featuring the high-relief protome of the youthful god Attis. The deity wears the characteristic Phrygian cap, with its forward-curving pointed form, while his youthful face is framed by abundant, deeply modelled wavy hair swept backwards. The modelling of the facial features and the voluminous treatment of the hair create a strong three-dimensional effect. The appliqué was produced using the lost-wax casting technique, with subsequent cold-working used to refine details of the hair and facial features. The surface displays a rich brown patina with darker areas and natural wear to the most prominent relief surfaces, particularly the face and hair, enhancing the archaeological appearance of the piece.
This bronze applique dates to the Roman Imperial period, approximately the 2nd–3rd century AD, when religious traditions from across the Roman Empire were widely integrated into Roman culture. The figure represents Attis, a Phrygian deity closely associated with Cybele, the Magna Mater. His cult became established throughout the Roman world and was particularly connected with themes of vegetation, death, renewal and rebirth. Attis was commonly depicted wearing the characteristic Phrygian cap, an attribute that identified his eastern origins. Bronze appliqués featuring divine and mythological figures were used as decorative fittings on prestigious objects and equipment, including vehicles and equestrian or ceremonial furnishings, where they could combine decorative, symbolic and protective functions.
Provenance: French private collection. Acquired in auction house in Paris on 2008. Acquired in auction house from Germany on 2026.
Statement seen by Catawiki. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Due to Switzerland customs regulations, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland
Seller's Story
Ifergan Gallery – Ancient Art is an antique art gallery located in Malaga, with more than 10 years of experience specializing in ancient art and archaeology. The pieces we offer come from the Ifergan Collection Museum, which guarantees their historical value and quality. Our goal is to bring authentic archaeological pieces to both collectors and those who wish to start collecting, offering original works for different budgets and always with the maximum guarantees. All our pieces have been legally acquired and are shipped with a certificate of authenticity and export permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with fast and secure shipping via DHL Express.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
2nd-3rd century A.D.
Name of object
Very fine chariot fitting with a bust of Attis, with Spanish Import License
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Height
14.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2008
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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.
