106 - A ROMAN BRONZE STEELYARD WEIGHT IN THE FORM OF A BUST OF SILENUS, CIRCA 2ND CENTURY AD

A ROMAN BRONZE STEELYARD WEIGHT IN THE FORM OF A BUST OF SILENUS, CIRCA 2ND CENTURY AD Boldly cast, the servant of Dionysus depicted emerging from a calyx of acanthus leaves and wearing a nebris falling from the left shoulder. The head turned upwards and to the right, with his flattened face holding a hieratic expression, marked by bulging eyes, a snub nose, and full lips framed by a curling moustache and a long beard of voluted curls. The neatly arranged hair is surmounted by a wreath of ivy leaves and berries, with a fragmentary suspension hook emerging from the top of the head. The reverse filled with lead, as expected. Provenance: A private collection in Paris, since the early 20 th century, and thence by descent. Hôtel des Ventes Victor Hugo, Dijon, 14 March 2015, lot 99. A private collection in France, acquired from the above. Sotheby’s London, 4 December 2018, lot 8, sold for GBP 5,000 or approx. EUR 8,000 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). A private collection in the United Kingdom, acquired from the above. Condition: Good condition with expected wear, casting irregularities, minor losses, traces of weathering, encrustations, areas of corrosion. Overall with a naturally grown, almost black patina. Weight: 1.4 kg (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 9.6 cm (excl. stand), 13.2 cm (incl. stand) Mounted on a finely polished Siena marble stand, probably dating from the late 19 th to early 20 th century. (2) Silenus, the aged companion and tutor of Dionysus, known to the Romans as Bacchus, embodied both the pleasures of wine and the wisdom associated with divine inspiration. Traditionally represented with a luxuriant beard, broad features, and an ample physique, he was a distinctive presence in the god’s exuberant retinue. His character offered Roman bronzeworkers considerable scope for expressive modeling, as demonstrated by the furrowed brow and richly articulated beard of the present bust. Steelyard weights formed part of the practical equipment of Roman commerce during the second century AD. Suspended from the longer, graduated arm of an unequal balance, the counterweight was moved until it balanced the goods hanging from the shorter arm, allowing their weight to be read from the scale. Bronze examples could take the form of finely modeled busts, often filled with lead to achieve the required mass. The present Silenus illustrates the Roman ability to unite everyday utility with sculptural refinement, bringing the imagery of classical mythology into the routines of trade. Literature comparison: Compare a related Roman copper alloy steelyard weight in the form of a satyr, 4 cm high, in the London Museum, object number 83.678. Compare a related Byzantine bronze steelyard weight in the form of a bearded Emperor, dated 602-610, 19.1 cm high, in the British Museum, registration number 1867,1005.1. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s London, 26 April 2005, lot 207 Price: GBP 3,600 or approx. EUR 7,600 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Roman bronze steelyard weight in the form of a male bust, circa 1st-2nd century AD Expert remark: Compare the related form, modeling, and manner of casting. Note the similar size (11.5 cm).