148 - Large Roman Bronze Chariot or Lectica Mount of Cupid. River Patination

Large Roman Bronze Chariot or Lectica Mount of Cupid. River Patination 2nd-3rd century A.D. Modelled in the round hollow-formed figure of Cupid standing nude emerging from a flower, with dressed curly hair bound into a forelock, small dorsal wings on the shoulders, a recurved bow in his left hand and an arrow supported on his right forearm; looped handles to the rear and stepped base below. Cf. for similar cart appliqu s, Veselin I.I., Funeral complexes with carts in the Roman province of Thrace (mid 1st 3rd c.), Sofia, 2018, pl.4, nos.2.6.2.3.1-2.6.2.3.4; pls.19-20 especially no.5.9.8.7 (Eros); for another appliqu with an Eros statuette surmounting a squared pedestal see a chariot element from Souk El Arba Du Gharb, in Boube-Picot, Les Bronzes Antiques du Maroc, III, les Chars et l Attelage, Rabat, 1980, no.494, p.283-284. 1.79 kg, 19.9 cm (8 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website] (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) From the collection of J-Ph, Mariaud de Serres, Paris, France, 1990s. Piasa Auctions, 17-18 March 2003, no.584. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13215-249253. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.237039. These prismatic fittings covered the ends of the wooden beams, reinforcing the floor of the undercarriage on both long sides. The heavy and ornate nature of these accessories suggests they were originally attached to a more substantial vehicle such as a pilentum (used to transport aristocrats on state occasions), a carruca (for transporting emperors and aristocratic matrons) or even a thensa (a ceremonial chariot used to transport deities to the imperial games) or a lectica (portable bed for patricii and matronae). Contemporary sources describe ornate inlay, rare woods and metalwork incorporated into these vehicles, and, probably, the present fitting would originally have been gilded. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.