Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. An intriguing pendant in the shape of a disembodied phallus, hand-carved from creamy yellow alabaster. The form is defined by a triangular upper pubic region, surmounted by an integral drilled suspension lug, which tapers downward to a stylized phallus and set of testes. Pendants such as this were often worn by soldiers in the field as a sign of their masculinity as well as by newlywed husbands hoping to increase their virility and fertility. In addition, disembodied examples like this were used as what Pliny described as a "medicus invidiae" to ward against bad luck and evil forces. Size: 1.5" W x 2.2" H (3.8 cm x 5.6 cm); 3.7" H (9.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#146193

  • Condition: Repair to suspension lug and tip of phallus, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions and nicks to phallus, testes, upper public area, suspension lug, and verso, with light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout.

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May 22, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
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