Description:

Roman, early Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A fine phallic amulet cast from bronze via the lost wax (cire perdue) technique. The amulet features a projecting triangular upper pubis, a phallus with a tapered head and a shallow groove at the base, and a pair of testes within the scrotum. Amulets like this example were often created by soldiers in the field as a sign of their masculinity and bravery or by newlywed husbands praying for virility and fertility. In addition, when depicted in disembodied forms like this example, phallic sculptures were used as what Pliny described as a "medicus invidiae" to ward against malevolent forces and the evil eye. Size: 1.7" W x 1.75" H (4.3 cm x 4.4 cm); 4.1" H (10.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery auction, New York, New York, USA (December 10, 1999, lot 109)

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#155757

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and encrustations to upper element, phallus, and testes, with nicks to testes, phallus, and verso, otherwise intact and excellent. Great green and brown patina throughout.

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June 4, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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