CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-6TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

A GROUP OF EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN BRONZE RINGS WITH BULL HEADS
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-6TH CENTURY A.D.
Each comprising three conjoined rings with a facing bull's head, details incised, two with cross motif, one with phallic motif, and another with inscribed swivel pendant, 7¼ in. (18.5 cm.) high max.; and a Byzantine bronze cross with relief image of the Crucifixion, 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.) high (13)

Provenance

C. Bernoulli collection, Switzerland, acquired 1960s.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

PUBLISHED:
C. Bernoulli, 'Stierprotomen und ihre Rätsel', Intuition und Kunstwissenschaft: Festschrift Hanns Swarzenski, Berlin, 1973, pp. 45-52.

C. Bernoulli, op.cit. notes the numerous influences between the Christian religion and the Eastern worship of Mithras, in which the bull was the predominant symbol, standing for fertility and life. The use of these rings is discussed and it is suggested that they are of more practical use such as harness rings, rather than symbolic or relating to a cult.

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