PAIR OF HANDLES Bronze Diam. 11 cm / L. 14.5 cm Roman art, 2nd-3rd century Provenance Former Magloire Collection Ader sale, 28/06/2022, lot 126 Roman Empire, 1st-4th century AD Description : Pair of bronze handles of the same model, each composed of a circular plate decorated in high relief with a lion's head holding a movable ring in its mouth. The leonine heads are stylised and expressive, with a radiant mane represented by long parallel stripes fanning out around the face. The lion's features are precisely rendered, with prominent circular eyes, a broad, flattened nose and an open mouth holding the ring firmly in place. The treatment of the mane creates a dynamic and decorative effect, evoking the rays of the sun. The movable rings, which are circular in cross-section, pass through perforated openings in the plate beneath the lion's mouth. The circular plates were used as a base for fixing to a flat surface (door, chest, piece of furniture). The bronze has a beautiful, stable green patina, typical of oxidation in an archaeological environment, with a few areas of darker brown patina. Overall good condition. The bronze has a stable, even patina on both pieces. Some areas of more marked corrosion. The movable rings are intact and functional. These handles were used as door rings, fasteners for chests or decorative handles for prestigious furniture. The lion, a symbol of strength, power and protection, was particularly popular in the Roman decorative repertoire for architectural and furniture elements. Its representation on doors and chests had an apotropaic function, supposedly to ward off evil forces and protect the contents. The motif of a lion's head holding a ring in its mouth is a classic of Roman decoration, widely used throughout the Empire. A Pair of Roman Bronze Handles. 2nd-3rd century A.D. Pair of matching bronze handles, each composed of a circular plate decorated in high relief with a lion's head holding a mobile ring in its mouth. The leonine heads are treated in a stylized and expressive manner, with a radiating mane depicted by long parallel striations fanning out around the face. The lion's features are rendered with precision: protruding circular eyes, wide flattened nose, open mouth firmly holding the ring. The treatment of the mane creates a dynamic and decorative effect, evoking sun rays. The mobile rings, of circular section, pass through openwork openings made in the plate below the lion's mouth. The circular plates served as mounting bases on a flat surface (door, chest, furniture). The bronze displays a beautiful stable green patina, typical of oxidation in archaeological environment, with some areas of darker brown patina. Good overall condition. Stable and homogeneous bronze patina on both examples. Some areas of more pronounced corrosion. Mobile rings intact and functional. These handles served as door knockers, chest attachments, or decorative handles for prestige furniture. The lion, symbol of strength, power, and protection, was particularly prized in the Roman decorative repertoire for architectural and furniture elements. Its representation on doors and chests had an apotropaic function, intended to ward off evil forces and protect contents. The motif of the lion's head holding a ring in its mouth is a classic of Roman decoration, widely spread throughout the Empire.