Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Figure - 13 cm

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Peter Reynaers
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Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 1,500 - € 1,800
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Roman bronze dolphin applique from the Roman Empire, dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear, 13 cm long with a green‑brown patina.

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Description from the seller

Roman Bronze Dolphin Applique, Roman Empire, 1st to 3rd Century AD

A finely cast Roman bronze dolphin applique depicting the sacred marine creature in a graceful and highly stylized form. The elongated body, rounded head, and bifurcated tail reflect the artistic conventions commonly employed in Roman decorative bronzes. Dolphins were among the most significant marine symbols of the Roman world, associated with Neptune, safe navigation, prosperity, and divine protection. Decorative fittings of this type were used on furniture, chests, ceremonial objects, vehicles, or architectural elements throughout the Empire. The piece exhibits an attractive ancient green and brown patina with areas of mineral encrustation, enhancing both its archaeological character and aesthetic appeal. An elegant and evocative example of Roman bronze craftsmanship.

Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 13 cm length

Provenance:
Acquired in Netherlands from a Belgian private collection formed during the 1990s.

All items come with CoA

Roman Bronze Dolphin Applique, Roman Empire, 1st to 3rd Century AD

A finely cast Roman bronze dolphin applique depicting the sacred marine creature in a graceful and highly stylized form. The elongated body, rounded head, and bifurcated tail reflect the artistic conventions commonly employed in Roman decorative bronzes. Dolphins were among the most significant marine symbols of the Roman world, associated with Neptune, safe navigation, prosperity, and divine protection. Decorative fittings of this type were used on furniture, chests, ceremonial objects, vehicles, or architectural elements throughout the Empire. The piece exhibits an attractive ancient green and brown patina with areas of mineral encrustation, enhancing both its archaeological character and aesthetic appeal. An elegant and evocative example of Roman bronze craftsmanship.

Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 13 cm length

Provenance:
Acquired in Netherlands from a Belgian private collection formed during the 1990s.

All items come with CoA

Details

Era
Before 1400
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1st to 3rd Century AD
Acquired from
Auction house
Country of origin
Unknown
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Height
13 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Width
3 cm
Depth
4 cm
The NetherlandsVerified
265
Objects sold
100%
Privatetop

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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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