Lot 71
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A fabulous bronze patera, cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process - a complete vessel with a characteristically shallow, round bowl which has a convex tondo (representing an omphalos) encircled by a banded border and a flanged, rounded rim, and a stunning fluted handle resolving in a ram head terminal. The head of the ram is remarkably detailed with underslung, curled horns - each one finely delineated with ridged surfaces, a fleece coat rendered as individual spirals, a long muzzle, and naturalistic facial features (eyes, nostrils, mouth). The patera stands on a ringed foot with multiple rings of concentric circles cast on the underside of the foot. The surface has developed a marvelous patina of green and russet hues, and the weight is pleasing in the hand. Size: 13.75" L (end to end) x 9" in diameter (bowl) (34.9 cm x 22.9 cm)
In ancient times, a patera would have been used to serve food and drink at symposia/dinner parties or as is an offering dish to pour libations of wine and other liquids at religious ceremonies. An example like this one, with such high quality bronze and an ornate ram's head finial was most likely used in rituals.
This patera sold at Christie's New York on December 13, 2013 for $7500 (Sale 2755, Lot 141) - https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-bronze-patera-circa-1st-2nd-century-5747602-details.aspx
See a very comparable example in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1989.281.87) - https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/255965
Provenance: private Davis Collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Christie's New York, December 13, 2013, Lot 141; ex Hesperia Art, Philadelphia, 1968; ex Dr. John Heysham Gibbon, Jr., Media, Pennsylvania, USA. According to Christie's, "John Heysham Gibbon, Jr. (1903-1973) was an American doctor recognized for his innovative work in the field of cardiology. He is credited for invented the heart-lung machine, otherwise known as the "pump," used in cardipulmonary bypass to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. He performed his first successful open heart surgery with this invention on 6 May 1953 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia."
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#132764
- Condition: Handle was reattached. Minute losses to the decorative appliques at the handle's end (opposite to the ram's head and adjoining the round bowl form). Minor losses to one of the ram's horns. Expected surface wear, but the detailing of the ram's head is still vivid. Wonderful patina of rich green and russet hues.
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| 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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |