Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A beautifully-preserved cast bronze handle, probably to a bronze vessel like an oinochoe, with a T-shaped terminal at its upper end and a large high relief lion's paw resting on a disc forming the terminal on its lower end. In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labor. Lions were also favorite iconography for buildings, coins, and statues. Examples include the Lion Gate to the Citadel of Mycenae, the Terrace of the Lions on the island of Delos, and the lion hunt mosaic from Pella featuring Alexander engaged in a lion hunt. Of course lions were also used in the Roman arenas where they would fight other animals, such as tigers and bears. Size: 3.25" W x 6" H (8.3 cm x 15.2 cm); 7.2" H (18.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137111

  • Condition: Dark, mottled patina with beautiful preservation of details and form.

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August 2, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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