Description:

Rome, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An ancient Roman bronze penis amulet, the uncircumcised slightly aroused penis extending from the abstract, stylized torso, with a large suspension loop at the top. Likely worn to guarantee fertility, this piece serves as a nice reference to the fertility festival of Lupercalia which took place February 13th to 15th and is believed to have inspired our modern Valentine's Day. The rituals of Lupercalia involved naked men parading around the city and swatting young maidens with the pelts of goats and dogs they sacrificed, all in hopes of ensuring fertility. Quite the visual, I know. Lovely grey-green and russet patina. Custom, wood stand. Size: amulet itself measures 1" W x 1.5" H (2.5 cm x 3.8 cm); 2.5" H x 1.5"W (6.4 cm x 3.8 cm) with stand

Provenance: Ex-private New York collection.

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#112438

  • Condition: Intact and excellent with an elegant grey-green and russet patina.

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February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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