Lot

120

Roman roundel with the head of Medusa

In Auction 5 - Charity Auction 2024

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Roman roundel with the head of Medusa - Image 1 of 2
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El Campello , Alicante
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El Campello , Alicante
ITEM: Roundel with the head of Medusa
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 47 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Roman depiction of Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology, was an enduring and significant image in Roman art, especially in the context of both mythology and protective symbolism. Medusa, one of the three Gorgons, was famously transformed into a monster with snakes for hair and the power to turn anyone who gazed upon her into stone. While the mythological story of Medusa’s transformation and her eventual slaying by the hero Perseus originates in Greek mythology, the Romans adopted and adapted the image of Medusa in a variety of artistic forms. Medusa was often portrayed with a striking, menacing face, her hair a tangle of snakes, symbolizing both her power and her curse.

In Roman art, Medusa's image was often used in decorative works, such as reliefs, mosaics, and especially on bronze and marble sculptures. One of the most famous representations of Medusa in Roman art is the Gorgon’s head, which was frequently featured as an apotropaic symbol, used to ward off evil and protect spaces. This "evil eye" function, associated with Medusa, was a significant part of Roman belief, as the face of Medusa was thought to have protective qualities when placed on items like shields, doorways, and public buildings. This use of her image as a protective charm highlights how Roman interpretations of mythology often merged with practical concerns about health, safety, and the unseen dangers of the world.

Medusa also appeared in Roman portraiture, particularly in the form of large, dramatic representations of her head as a motif, often seen on coins and jewelry. Roman emperors, such as those during the Julio-Claudian dynasty, used Medusa's image to convey a sense of power, control, and protection, integrating the Gorgon into imperial propaganda. For example, the emperor Nero sometimes had coins minted with Medusa’s head, likely to symbolize the ruler’s connection to divine or supernatural protection. The dual nature of Medusa—both a symbol of danger and a protector—mirrors the complexities of Roman imperial power, where rulers needed to balance fear and reverence in their image.

ITEM: Roundel with the head of Medusa
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 47 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Roman depiction of Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology, was an enduring and significant image in Roman art, especially in the context of both mythology and protective symbolism. Medusa, one of the three Gorgons, was famously transformed into a monster with snakes for hair and the power to turn anyone who gazed upon her into stone. While the mythological story of Medusa’s transformation and her eventual slaying by the hero Perseus originates in Greek mythology, the Romans adopted and adapted the image of Medusa in a variety of artistic forms. Medusa was often portrayed with a striking, menacing face, her hair a tangle of snakes, symbolizing both her power and her curse.

In Roman art, Medusa's image was often used in decorative works, such as reliefs, mosaics, and especially on bronze and marble sculptures. One of the most famous representations of Medusa in Roman art is the Gorgon’s head, which was frequently featured as an apotropaic symbol, used to ward off evil and protect spaces. This "evil eye" function, associated with Medusa, was a significant part of Roman belief, as the face of Medusa was thought to have protective qualities when placed on items like shields, doorways, and public buildings. This use of her image as a protective charm highlights how Roman interpretations of mythology often merged with practical concerns about health, safety, and the unseen dangers of the world.

Medusa also appeared in Roman portraiture, particularly in the form of large, dramatic representations of her head as a motif, often seen on coins and jewelry. Roman emperors, such as those during the Julio-Claudian dynasty, used Medusa's image to convey a sense of power, control, and protection, integrating the Gorgon into imperial propaganda. For example, the emperor Nero sometimes had coins minted with Medusa’s head, likely to symbolize the ruler’s connection to divine or supernatural protection. The dual nature of Medusa—both a symbol of danger and a protector—mirrors the complexities of Roman imperial power, where rulers needed to balance fear and reverence in their image.

Auction 5 - Charity Auction 2024

Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
Apartado de Correos 521
El Campello
Alicante
03560
Spain

3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.

3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.

3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the auction price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.

8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.

8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.

8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.

8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.

Important Information

Charity Auction 2024, 4% of hammer price will go to the Food Bank and Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Ancient Art at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Affordable in-house shipping.

Terms & Conditions

1. All ancient items offered for sale have been acquired strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO’s heritage norms, and guaranteed to be as described.

2. Our cataloguings, descriptions and certificates has been carried in accordance with their professional experience, previous investigation and checking against similar pieces catalogued in public collections, private collections or to be found in the art market.

3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.

3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.

3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the auction price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

4. The bidder guarantees payment for the item(s). In case of discrepancy, the lot or lots may be offered for sale again.

5. All lots will sell to the highest bidder without hidden or confidential reserves. Prices marked as estimates (both minimum and maximum) are for reference only. The hammer price may be higher or lower depending on the demand.

6. PAYMENT POLICY: To provide a seamless bidder checkout, all winning lots will be invoiced through the system the bidder has chosen for the live auction, unless bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly via credit card (MasterCard or Visa), PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer. If bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly, bidder must contact us to arrange payment. Payments not made within 15 days of auction’s end will forfeit bidder’s right to purchase said item(s), with item(s) relisted to next appropriate auction.

6.1 If the customer wishes to pay through our website, we will generate a payment link and the customer can choose the payment method that is most suitable, payment by Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express), Bank Transfer or PayPal. Payment with PayPal is subject to an increase of 3% of the invoice.

7. BUYER’S PREMIUM: A 8% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.

8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.

8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.

8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.

8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.

9. RETURN POLICY: We have a no quibble 90 days return policy. We accept returns for any reason within 90 days of you receiving your item. The item(s) must returned in the same conditions in which the received (no damage or deterioration). The expenses that could derive from the return (transport, insurance, etc) will be at the expense of the buyer.

10. On the prevention of money laundering or terrorist financing, according with directive (EU) 2015/849 and 2018/843, all clients will be asked to provide proof of identification (valid passport, driving license, ID card and a proof of address) when purchasing or selling art works valued 10.000 € or more in a single or linked transaction. If you represent a company you will need to provide details of directors, evidence of incorporation and the ultimate beneficial owners.

11. QUESTIONS: For any questions, before / during and after the auction, feel free to email us: admin@yourantiquarian.com or a Whatsapp to the number +34 644811359. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

Last update: September 28th, 2024

See Full Terms And Conditions

Tags: Greek, Roman, Coin