Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fascinating group of 17 medical tools, all cast from bronze, most with beautiful, decorative handles that end in rounded terminals. This includes probes, hooks, cauteries, bone levers, and a nice example of pliers, as well as an S-shaped device. Roman surgical instruments were very similar to those described by Hippocrates in the 5th century BCE and Galen in the 2nd century CE. Interestingly, several of their tools are similar to ones that were in use until the 20th century! We know of many of these types of tools from the well-preserved House of the Surgeon in Pompeii. The tools here were found at a ruin in Germany believed to be the site of a Roman hospital, probably one set up to care for members of the legions. These are all displayed together in a glass-fronted shadow box. Perfect for someone with an interest in the history of medicine! Size of largest tool (though most are around the same size): 7.35" H (18.7 cm); shadow box is: 16" W x 12" H (40.6 cm x 30.5 cm)

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1980s to 1990s

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#150373

  • Condition: All are in nice condition; all but one are intact (one has a loss from its upper part). Great patina and deposits on all. Shadow box is in great condition.

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April 9, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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