Ancient Roman Bronze Bust Appliqué Depicting a Male Figure, Imperial Period (ca. 2nd–3rd Century AD) (No reserve price)
08
days
07
hours
53
minutes
57
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
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Description from the seller
Roman Bronze Bust Appliqué Depicting a Male Figure, Imperial Period (ca. 2nd–3rd Century AD)
Cast bronze appliqué in the form of a small male bust, depicted frontally with a calm and idealised expression. The facial features are softly modelled, with almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and a closed mouth. The hair is rendered in a simplified manner, closely framing the head. The shoulders and upper chest are schematically indicated, tapering downward to a solid lower edge.
The reverse is plain and slightly convex, without detailed modelling, suggesting that the object was intended as a decorative attachment rather than a free-standing sculpture. Such bust-shaped bronze appliqués were commonly mounted onto furniture, chests, vessels, or architectural fittings during the Roman Imperial period, serving both ornamental and symbolic functions.
The surface displays a mottled dark green to brown patina with areas of copper exposure, mineral accretions, and burial-related corrosion. Minor surface wear and casting irregularities are visible. No modern restoration observed.
Weight:6,1 gr Diameter:20,1 mm
Roman Bronze Bust Appliqué Depicting a Male Figure, Imperial Period (ca. 2nd–3rd Century AD)
Cast bronze appliqué in the form of a small male bust, depicted frontally with a calm and idealised expression. The facial features are softly modelled, with almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and a closed mouth. The hair is rendered in a simplified manner, closely framing the head. The shoulders and upper chest are schematically indicated, tapering downward to a solid lower edge.
The reverse is plain and slightly convex, without detailed modelling, suggesting that the object was intended as a decorative attachment rather than a free-standing sculpture. Such bust-shaped bronze appliqués were commonly mounted onto furniture, chests, vessels, or architectural fittings during the Roman Imperial period, serving both ornamental and symbolic functions.
The surface displays a mottled dark green to brown patina with areas of copper exposure, mineral accretions, and burial-related corrosion. Minor surface wear and casting irregularities are visible. No modern restoration observed.
Weight:6,1 gr Diameter:20,1 mm
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
2st - 3nd Century
Name of object
Bronze Bust Appliqué Depicting a Male Figure, Imperial Period (ca. 2nd–3rd Century AD)
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1995
Width
20.1 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
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.
