Coins, Tokens, Historical Medals and Antiquities

Roman, bronze Atlas, 2nd cent. AD, 8cm x 4.5cm, kneeling nude muscular figure of Atlas holding both arms aloft, the head heavily bearded and with lentoid eyes. Very fine condition with a green patina £200-£240

Provenance: P. Dawson Collection.

This representation of Atlas is rare and derives from a Roman sundial found at Naples. This smaller example may have supported a base for furnishing. Atlas was a Titan god who was condemned to carry the heavens upon his shoulders