http://www.christies.com/promos/jun06/1679/promo_gallery.asp?page=4 Roman Bronze Imago Clipeata of Emperor Claudius Please take a look at this rare glimpse of a Julio Claudian Princeps in bronze (other than coinage). Claudius is seen showing the office of Pontifex Maximus, note radiate imagery as well as being flanked by simpuvium (dipper) and lituus (wand). I normally would not send out general emails but this is a rare piece indeed! Joe Geranio Julio Claudian Iconographic Association
Thanks Joe! We Roman collectors tend to focus exclusively on the coins but there is an amazing amount of bronze and marble work that is even more amazing..like this piece.There are sites that sell ancient Roman bracelets,rings and oil lamps and I can't say I haven't been tempted,but I think $150,000 is a bit high for me.
Remember, Julio Claudain Portraiture is the most difficult to ID, without coin portraits and inscriptions we would not know who the portraits in the round where? The neat thing about the Claudius image is the rare frontal view in bronze on something other than coinage. The radiate crown and Pontifex Maximus imagery also tells us alot. Thank goodness for Roman Coinage!! Joe
A few more items Julio Claudian (Livia and Cladius) Lot 54 is a very nice marble portrait head of the Empress Livia, Roman Imperial, Julio-Claudian, early 1st Century A.D. It is 12 9/16 inches high. The lot has an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000. It sold for $154,000. http://www.thecityreview.com/s06sant.html See lot 54 and save your pennies! Joe Lot 149, "The Marlborough Cameo," a Roman onyx cameo portrait of the Emperor Claudius, 41-54 A.D., 3 inches long. http://www.thecityreview.com/f04cant2.html Go to lot 149 for photo.
