Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. An adorable pottery baby feeder in the form of a swan with meticulously detailed plumage along its tucked wings and long neck folded to rest its head upon its breast. The elegant bird sits upon a square, pedestal foot as a spout extends from its chest. The swan played a complex role in Classical mythology - most often understood as the attribute of Venus and Apollo, said to sing a song of unearthly beauty as it dies, and as the form assumed by Jupiter to ravish Leda, mother of Helen of Troy. The latter, based on the writings of Ovid and Fulgentius, was well known in the European Middle Ages, and inspired artists, including Michelangelo, during the Italian Renaissance. However, the ancient Roman artisan who made this piece was probably depicting the swan as a general symbol of passion and beauty rather than a direct reference to the Zeus and Leda story. Size: 2.7" L x 4.9" W x 4.3" H (6.9 cm x 12.4 cm x 10.9 cm)

Provenance: private Rancho Mirage, California, USA collection, by inheritance in 2020; ex-Dr. TDR Berreth, California, USA, acquired before 1982

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#179101

  • Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with chipping to spout, Surface wear as shown, but otherwise great presentation and nice remaining detail and pigments.

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June 1, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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