Lot 479

Greco-Roman Bronze Hippopotamus

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 479
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3
Greco-Roman Bronze Hippopotamus
Greco-Roman Bronze Hippopotamus
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3

Greco-Roman Bronze Hippopotamus

Estimate: $600 - $900

Current Bid: $300

(1 Bid)
June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US
Description:

Magna Graecia, ca. 332 BCE - 395 CE. Solid cast copper/bronze alloy hippopotamus, standing on four legs, head held in a forward position. “The hippopotamus was a Nilotic animal associated with Egypt and the Nile River that was brought to Rome and put on display in the Colosseum as part of venationes, or wild beast hunts. The rise of “Egyptomania” in the Roman Empire surged under the emperor Hadrian (reigned AD 117-38). Extant Egyptian examples of hippopotamus figurines are less animated and made of materials such as stone or pottery rather than bronze, making the pose and materiality of this object distinctly Greco-Roman.”- Cleveland Museum of Art. Size: 1.375”H x 2.63”L (3.5 x 6.7cm).

Provenance: Private NYC. collection, acquired from Henry Anavian, Sumer Gallery, NYC., 1980’s. To family by inheritance.

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 71623

  • Condition: Overall scattered blue-green and black patina with scattered surface deposits. Intact, excellent condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000