This Roman marble torso of Silvanus, the deity of woods and fields (right), formed part of the December 7 antiquities and tribal art offering assembled by another ex-Bonhams specialist, Abigail Walker.
Dating from the 2nd century AD (the cult of Silvanus became particularly popular during the reign of Hadrian) and standing 22in (56cm) high, the protector of the forests is depicted nude, wearing an animal skin over his left shoulder and arm and carrying a variety of fruits and pine cones. It is unworked at the back.
This figure had been part of a UK family collection for around 50 years and came with an accessible estimate of £8000- 12,000. It was hammered down at £18,000.
Additional highlights included a 6th century BC Corinthian pottery alabastron (pictured left), a 7in (17cm) high vessel used for oils and perfumes decorated in shades of crimson and brown with a winged panther, which sold at £2600. Meanwhile, a 4in (10cm) Greek terracotta figure of a couple (possibly Cupid and Psyche) embracing from the 4th century BC took £1170.
