Ancient Art, Antiquities & Coins
May 28, 2019
(Your local time)
United kingdom
The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LT, United Kingdom
Terms of sale
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LOT 79:
Roman Magical Amuletic Plaque
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Start price:
£
270
Estimated price:
$300 - $400
Auction house commission:
30%
VAT: On commission only
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1st-2nd century AD
A small bronze plaque with Venus (Greek Aphrodite), the goddess of love, standing to the centre looking into a mirror held in her left hand, enigmatic Greek text to either side, presumably a magical amulet with fixing hole to the top. 2.9 grams, 30mm (1 1/4"). Fine condition. Rare.
Provenance
Property of a London gentleman; acquired London art market, 1970-1980.
Footnotes
Aphrodite was very popular subject on magical gems, often used as amulets to obtain or avoid love, more commonly carved in stone unlike this object which was apparently intended for fixation to something by the use of a nail.
