Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A handsome, mold-made terracotta dog, probably made to be a child's toy. The dog has a spitz form, with a spiral-curled tail, a compact, upright, muscular body, a foxlike muzzle, and pointed ears. The textured surface gives the impression of thick fur. To the Romans, this type of dog was known as a Melitan, with the earliest known image coming from an amphora found at Vulci that bore an inscription of the breed name alongside it. Other vase artwork depicting Melitans shows them playing with children or acting as a companion - a Roman's best friend! Size: 5.25" W x 3.75" H (13.3 cm x 9.5 cm); 5.05" H (12.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired from Goldberg Auctions, Los Angeles, California, USA in 1968

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#142651

  • Condition: Bottom of one foot is lost; otherwise in great condition with fine remaining details.

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February 6, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000