Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A finely cast leaded-bronze dolphin pendant with a curvaceous body, delineated lateral and dorsal fins, and a broad tail. The head is replaced by a grooved bar with an integral pierced suspension loop. The dolphin was a strong motif in Classical culture as a whole; in the Homeric Hymn to Dionysus (Bacchus to the Romans) we learn that dolphins were once humans, created when sailors kidnapped Dionysus and he made them magically leap into the sea and transform into the grinning mammals. The dolphin was also considered the swiftest of all living beings, and is associated with godliness and royalty because of its place as king of the sea. Size: 1.75" L x 0.7" W (4.4 cm x 1.8 cm); 1.625" H (4.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Wagner collection, collected in Asia Minor in the 1930s

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PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#142800

  • Condition: Slight bending to tail, with very light abrasions, otherwise intact and very good. Fine patina throughout.

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April 7, 2022 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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