Description:

Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. Most likely a votive or a toy, a lead work depicting two gladiators engaged in combat. The shorter Thracian wears a plumed, broad-rimmed helmet that encloses his entire head, a square-shaped shield, and two thigh-length greaves. In his right hand, he holds a curved sword (sica). The murmillo (also spelled mirmillo or myrmillo) class gladiator wears a plumed helmet with a stylized fish (mormylos) on the crest, an arm guard (manica), and carries a gladius and an oblong Gallic shield. Custom stand. Size: 3.125" W x 2.375" H (7.9 cm x 6 cm); 3.375" H (8.6 cm) on stand

The Murmillo gladiators replaced the earlier Gallus warriors (named after the Gauls). By the reign of Augustus, the Gauls had integrated with the Romans and it became distasteful to portray them as enemies. Hence, the Gallus class gladiator was replaced by the Murmillo.

Cf. a smaller example Art of the Ancient World, 2006, no. 68

Provenance: ex-German private collection, 1970's

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#123473

  • Condition: Two back wheels missing and axles missing. One surviving wheel is detached. Both wheels with fissures and losses as shown. Overall presents clear details despite expected age wear.

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June 28, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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