Auction Date:2012 Nov 16 @ 10:00 (UTC-6 : CST/MDT)
Location:P.O. Box 714, Erie, Colorado, 80516, United States
A wonderful and rare early Roman bronze, dating between the 1st century B.C. and the 1st century CE. This two-part mirror consists of two hinged circular discs, lathe-turned and with raised lips, which nest together when the mirror is closed to protect the reflecting surface. The exterior surfaces are decorated with incised concentric rings.
The interiors were polished to function as mirrors, and still retain a small amount of the original silvered surface.
Each half of the mirror has an omega-shaped handle on the exterior, at the side opposite the hinge. The handle on the upper disc is inserted through loops at the top of two appliqués, both shaped like theatre masks with fine facial detail and each wearing a diadem.
Very rare and very nice!
Background information: The hinged mirror probably originated in fourth-century Greece and soon after made its way to Etruria. Its popularity continued in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The object opened to expose a round mirror, usually either silvered or tinned, on the lower surface. Although polished, the upper surface probably did not serve as a second mirror but as a reflector to cast light on the viewer's face. The mirror was slightly convex, which served to diminish the reflected image somewhat, so that the viewer's head and shoulders might also be seen, rather than just the face. In the absence of full-length mirrors, this would have been quite useful. The upper surface was slightly concave, so that it did not touch the mirror surface when closed (see Berlin and Biers, 2004).
Hayes (1984, p. 188-190) distinguishes larger sized mirrors (with an average diameter of 15 cm), which mainly date to Roman Imperial periods, and smaller sized ones, which are mostly earlier.
For a bronze statuette of Amor, holding out a folding mirror to a beholder who is not depicted, but could possibly be Venus, see Thorvaldsens Museum, Kopenhagen, Denmark, inv. no. H2055.
Test results: A couple of years ago this mirror was scientifically investigated, not because there were doubts about its authenticity but to add the composition spectra to a database of authentic objects. These tests were completely non-destructive. They were done at the Department of Nuclear Research, Institute of Isotopes, Budapest (Hungary). No irregularities or indications of forgery were found. The elemental composition is consistent with what is known from other objects from the same period. The tests confirmed the authenticity of the object.
Size: diameter of each disk ca. 8.5 cm; when completely opened no less than 23 cm from handle to handle. Complete, intact and choice with a beautiful dark-green patina; some deposits on the interior, as shown. A wonderful are rare object!
Provenance: Dutch private collection H.B.; previously German private collection, acquired circa 1960-1965.
Literature:
Andrea Berlin - Jane C. Biers, Testament of Time. Selected Objects from the Collection of Palestinian Antiquities in the Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Missouri-Columbia (Madison N.J., Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 2004), p. 125-126, no. 105.
Wolfgang Züchner, Griechische Klappspiegel (Jahrbuch des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts, Ergänzungsheft 14) (Berlin, De Gruyter, 1942)
Agnes Schwarzmaier, Griechische Klappspiegel. Untersuchungen zu Typologie und Stil (Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts, Athenische Abteilung: Beiheft 18) (Berlin, Mann, 1997)
Gerhard Zimmer, Frühgriechische Spiegel. Aspekte technischer Neuerungen in der Antike (132. Winckelmannsprogramm der Archäologischen Gesellschaft zu Berlin) (Berlin, De Gruyter, 1991), p. 28-30, fig. 30
Boaz Zissu - Amir Ganor, "Metal Utensils from the Time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt Discovered in the Southern Judaean Foothills, Israel", Babesch, Bulletin Antieke Beschaving, Annual Papers on Mediterranean Archaeology 79 (Leuven, 2004), p.111-121, esp. p. 115-117 and figs. 10-12.
John W. Hayes, Greek, Roman and Related Metalware in the Royal Ontario Museum. A Catalogue (Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum, 1984), p. 188-195, esp. 190-193, nos. 321-324, esp. 321.
Mirrors are known from ancient writings and the archaeological record; for a summary see A. de Ridder, "Speculum", in Charles Daremberg - Edmond Saglio (eds.), Dictionnaire des Antiquités Grecques et Romains IV/2 (Paris, 1911), p. 1422-1430.
For the use of mirrors and cosmetics by Roman women see E. Guhl - W. Koner, Everyday Life of the Greeks and Romans (New York, Crescent, 1989), p. 499-500
To place a bid on this auction lot, please contact us at antiquitiessaleroom@gmail.com
Auction Location:
P.O. Box 714, Erie, Colorado, 80516, United States
Previewing Details:
From the time the auction catalogue is published online until items are auctioned.
Appropriate Colorado Sales Tax will be added to all invoices, unless a valid CO seller's permit is on file with Artemis Gallery/Antiquities-Saleroom prior to any bidding in the auction. Items shipped outside of CO (United States or international) are also sales tax exempt.
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| CO |
2.9% |
Colorado State Sales Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
18% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
No Info Available
Payment Details:
We appreciate your business - thank you for participating in our eleventh auction! As much as we hate to impose additional fees, if you elect to pay via credit card or PayPal, a 4% service fee will be added to your invoice. If you purchased multiple items chances are you will receive more than one shipment, as items may be shipped from different dealers. When payment is received, we will email you with complete dealer information so you know what to expect from whom.
Methods of payment accepted:
By Credit Card - Visa, MC, Discover and Amex; 4% service fee additional
By Paypal - Use our email address - artemisgallery@gmail.com; 4% service fee additional
For checks, money orders or cashiers check, please make out to Artemis Gallery and mail within 3 business days to Artemis Gallery, P.O. Box 714, Erie, CO 80516
For bank wire transfers, please contact us for banking information.
Regardless of payment method, we ask that you settle your account/make payment within 5 business days, on/before Friday, July 20th.
Thanks again!
Bob and Teresa Dodge
Elaine Jamieson
www.antiquitiessaleroom.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- AMEX
- Discover
- Diners Club
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- COD (cash on delivery)
- PayPal
- See Payment Details
- Wire Transfer
The following are the TERMS OF SALE for bidding in Live Auction, Friday, November 16th, 2012.
AUCTION will start at 10 a.m. MT, noon EST, 9 a.m. PST - Bid Live or Leave Absentee Bids.
Please read the following "Terms of Sale" carefully. These terms are applicable to all bidders in this auction, collectors and dealers alike. Please do not bid in this auction if you do not agree to all of the terms listed below. Your submission of bids in this auction constitutes your acceptance of these "Terms of Sale."
1. This is an auction sale, not an approval sale. Upon the auctioneer's call of "Sold," all sales are final. By bidding in this auction, the bidder personally guarantees payment. The auctioneer has final discretion in all matters. In case of dispute, the lot(s) in question may be resold. Lots will be sold in their numerical sequence unless the auctioneer directs otherwise.
2. HIGH and LOW ESTIMATES are provided for each lot for reference only. When placing your bids, keep in mind that all lots in this auction will be sold WITHOUT RESERVE PRICING, meaning the starting price is the lowest price at which that particular item can/will be sold.
3. No lots will be released until payment in full has been made. Payment (in U.S. funds) may be made via personal or money order, via credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express), PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer. There will be a 4% service fee for all Credit Card and PayPal transactions. For PayPal payments please use "artemisgallery@gmail.com" email address for processing payments.
4. BUYER'S PREMIUM: A 18% Buyer's Premium will be added to the final price of each lot purchased through Antiquities-Saleroom and will be paid by all bidders without exception!
5. CO SALES TAX: Appropriate Colorado Sales Tax will be added to all invoices, unless a valid CO seller's permit is on file with Artemis Gallery/Antiquities-Saleroom prior to any bidding in the auction. Items shipped outside of CO (United States or international) are also sales tax exempt.
6. RETURN POLICY: If our description of the item is not as described, we will accept return of the item; however, we MUST HAVE NOTIFICATION OF RETURN WITHIN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF ITEM BY BIDDER, as shown by FedEx, UPS or USPS tracking data, and the item must be received by us within ten days. A letter from a recognized expert in the field pertaining to the item in dispute must be presented for refund. No lots may be returned without prior written consent. Late remittance constitutes just cause for revocation of all return privileges. Return shipping is at the bidder's expense. In no event may any lot(s) be returned after twenty (20) days from the date of the auction. As of December 6, 2012, ALL SALES ARE FINAL!
7. BIDDING will be conducted ONLINE / LIVE as the auction progresses - this is not a Buy or Bid sale (like on the Antiquities-Saleroom website). Bidders may place their bids LIVE, via PHONE or by leaving ABSENTEE BIDS via the iCollector auction catalog. Phone Bids will be accepted on a limited basis and must be arranged in advance.
8. SHIPPING FEES are the responsibility of the buyer, but as a courtesy to our buyers, Antiquities-Saleroom arranges for all shipping services once shipping information is received from buyer. All buyers will receive an invoice detailing their purchases, sales tax (if applicable), VAT (if applicable), buyer's premium, and shipping/insurance charges. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. **For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**
9. ESTIMATES for each lot are given only as a guide to help gauge your bidding. Lots may sell for a price greater than or less than these estimates. Bids under 50% of the pre-auction estimate may not be accepted.
10. STARTING PRICES may or may not be the actual price at which any item will sell. All of the lots in this auction will be sold not subject to a reserve, meaning that the lowest price an item can sell is the starting price.
11. The auctioneer may open the bidding on any lot by placing a bid on behalf of the seller. The auctioneer may accept or decline any bid, or challenge to any bid, as he in his sole discretion shall determine.
12. ALL BIDDERS must register credit card information prior to bidding, no exceptions! You do not have to pay with the credit card on file, but you must register in order to bid.
13. In the event a successful bidder fails to make payment when due, Artemis Gallery/Antiquities-Saleroom reserves the right to re-sell the merchandise and bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable cost of such a sale and also to pay any difference between the resale price and the previously successful bid, together with any incidental costs of sale and disbursements.
14. If the auction invoice is not paid for in full when due per invoice terms, including any applicable credit card processing fees, the unpaid balance will bear interest at the highest rate permitted by law until paid in full. If the matter is referred to an attorney for collection, bidder agrees to pay all reasonable attorney fees, court costs and other collection cost incurred by Artemis Gallery/Antiquities-Saleroom to collect past due invoices and that the services of process by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, shall be sufficient to confer "in personam" jurisdiction over bidder.
15. Buyer agrees that any claim of controversy arising out of, or relating to the formation, interpretation of performance of these terms and underlying transactions or the breach thereof, is subject to arbitration or judicial proceedings and shall take place within the County of Boulder, CO subject to the laws of the State of Colorado.
16. QUESTIONS? Feel free to email us at antiquitiessaleroom@gmail.com with questions prior to bidding or feel free to call us at 720-890-7700 or 720-936-4282. Please be sure to ask all questions at least 30 minutes prior to auction start time, as we will not be able to take calls or answer emails sent to us during the auction.
Good luck!