Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A beautifully-preserved cast bronze handle, probably from a bronze vessel like an oinochoe, with a T-shaped terminal at its upper end and a maskette of a woman with dangling hair parted at its center forming the terminal on its lower end. As in Greece, masks played an important role in Roman theatre. An actor's entire head and hair would be covered by a large mask of simple design, made from linen or cork, with holes for the mouth and eyes. These masks allowed audience members seated in all areas of the theatre to understand what was happening, while also amplifying the actor's voice. The Pompeiian mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet (now in the Naples National Archaeological Museum) shows several examples of these masks including one actor wearing an example pushed up on his head. Mask motifs on decorative art speak to the power and popularity of Roman theatre. Size: 2.45" W x 5.3" H (6.2 cm x 13.5 cm); 6.65" H (16.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137275

  • Condition: Small losses to the hair on the maskette. Otherwise in very good condition with pale green mottled patina. Very nice preservation of detail on the maskette.

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November 29, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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