Description:

Roman, late Republic to early Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A hand-built terracotta phallus meant as a votive offering. The composition features a lengthy shaft, a protruding rim around the hemispherical head, and a perforated urethra on top. The back displays a bulbous scrotum with incised grooves indicative of wrinkles, and the top protrusion was perhaps meant as a petite handle. Phalluses are prevalent Roman symbols evocative of virility and fertility and, when depicted disembodied like this example, were used as what Pliny wrote of as a "medicus invidiae" to ward against the evil eye. Size: 7.25" L x 2.1" W (18.4 cm x 5.3 cm)

Provenance: private Keller collection, Alabama, USA; ex-private Toro collection, Spain, acquired in the 1940s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#154441

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to head, shaft, and testes, with light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 27, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000