Description:

Roman, late Republic to early Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A charming cast-bronze figurine of a fighting dwarf used for entertainment by upper-class citizens. The ithyphallic figure stands nude with a macrophallus draped between stunted legs, exhibits impressive musculature on his thighs, abdomen, and chest, and holds his arms as if wielding a shield and steadying a spear just prior to loosing it through the air. His masculine countenance displays silvered leaded-bronze eyes and furrowed brows as if consumed by the intensity of battle, with a lengthy beard flowing across his pectoral muscles, and a matted coiffure from wearing a helmet. A fabulous figurative example enveloped with brown and green patina. Size: 1.8" W x 2.3" H (4.6 cm x 5.8 cm); 2.7" H (6.9 cm) on included custom stand.

A strikingly similar example hammered for $6,572 at Christie's, New York "The Morven Collection of Ancient Art" auction (sale 1466, June 8, 2004, lot 489).

Provenance: private Dere collection, East Coast, USA assembled between 1970 and 2000

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#152932

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and encrustations, with small impact area on left elbow, and minor softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.

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August 13, 2020 8:00 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