Lot 59
Eastern Mediterranean, Roman Imperial, likely Roman Egypt or Syria-Palestine, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A rare miniature leaded bronze vessel in the form of a male bust, finely cast with a flaring neck and squared plinth base. The face is modeled with deep-set eyes, prominent brows, and a long plaited beard that descends in parallel ridges, evoking the divine or courtly false beard type more Egyptianizing than Italic in character. Above, the coiffure is bound by a braided brow band, while the back is worked with radiating striations that echo Near Eastern styles of hairdressing familiar from Palmyrene and Parthian portraiture. Despite these local inflections, the squared plinth base and functional vessel form adhere to Roman workshop traditions, situating the piece firmly within the hybrid vocabulary of Roman provincial art. Such vessels, often serving as flasks or small containers, carried both practical and symbolic value, embodying cultural exchange between Rome and the eastern provinces. Size: 1" L x 1.2" W x 2" H (2.5 cm x 3 cm x 5.1 cm)
The heavy patina of green and brown attests to centuries of burial, lending the surface an appealing, timeworn character. This remarkable fusion of Italic, Egyptianizing, and Near Eastern traits illustrates the cosmopolitan reach of Roman artisanship, while the vessel's small scale underscores its intimate use, perhaps as a personal container for oils, perfumes, or ritual substances.
Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 to 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195933
- Condition: Spout has been professionally reattached with small areas of loss along visible break line. A few nicks and weathering to surface, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with good detail and rich, green patina throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |