Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.. Modelled in the round, standing with right leg bent, right arm raised and left extended before the body; with thick tousled hair, exaggerated torc to the neck, jacket with incised vertical lines, tight-fitting trousers and ankle-boots. Cf. Durham, E., Metal Figurines in Roman Britain, vol. 2, Reading, 2010, pl.124; see also Caesar (translated by S. A. Handford) The Conquest of Gaul, 1982. 53 grams total, 67 mm (2 5/8 in.).
The pose of the figure suggests that he is in the action of brandishing a weapon, or possibly holding the reins of a team of horses pulling a chariot. Caesar mentions the expert use of the war-chariot by the Britons (Conquest of Gaul, IV.33). The padded garment suggests a Celtic auxiliary in the Roman army.
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. [No Reserve]
Price realized | 60 GBP |
Starting price | 5 GBP |
Estimate | 400 GBP |