Lot 49
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A tall iron eagle, depicted seated but fierce, with its sharp beak and claws emphasized. Bulbous bronze inlaid spheres form the eyes. The body has been scored and incised to create the illusion of feathers, especially on its chest. The bird is perched atop a gently curved, triangular platform with holes for attachment at each corner. The Imperial Roman eagle was known as the aquila, the symbol of the Roman legion, and, by around 100 BCE, each company of soldiers carried a standard bearing an eagle. They were fixed to the top of a spear or pole and were small enough that they could be concealed in dangerous circumstances. One standard bearer under Julius Caesar is said to have concealed his inside of his girdle in a moment of panic. Size: 5" L x 3.45" W x 7.1" H (12.7 cm x 8.8 cm x 18 cm)
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#133295
- Condition: Wings are partially lost, as is one corner of the platform. Excellent preservation of form for an iron object of this age, including the details of the feathers on the body. Oxidized patina on the body and eyes as shown.
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