Description:

Roman Empire, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A solid cast bronze cauldron foot of an anamorphic form, with an equine head that holds a small orb in its mouth at the upper terminus, resolving in a large lion's paw below. Given their large capacity, scholars have argued that cauldrons were not used as every day objects, but were instead used during large social gatherings and feasts. As such they were oftentimes highly adorned. Just imagine the cauldron that boasted this fine foot! For me it conjures that notorious image from Shakespeare's "Macbeth." You know the one -- three intimidating witches stir a boiling cauldron, all reciting, "Double, double toil and trouble: Fire burn, and cauldron bubble." Ah, that Willy Shakes sure could write a good tragedy! Custom lucite stand. Size: foot itself measures .75" W x 2" H (1.9 cm x 5.1 cm); ~3.5" (8.9 cm) high on stand

Ancient Roman cauldrons are an under-researched subject. For a recent scholarly exploration, see Jody Joy (2014). ‘Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble’: Iron Age and Early Roman Cauldrons of Britain and Ireland. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 80, pp 327-362. doi:10.1017/ppr.2014.7.

Provenance: Ex-private M. Reniger collection, Chicago, IL.

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#111380

  • Condition: Intact with expected wear, nice green patina, and earthy deposits.

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January 7, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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