Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Figure - 4.5 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Roman Bronze Lion Mount dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, in bronze with a dark patina, dimensions 4.5 × 2.8 × 1.1 cm and weight 28.5 g, acquired from the Netherlands from a Belgian private collection, in good used condition with minor signs of age and imperfections.
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Description from the seller
Roman Bronze Lion Mount – 1st to 3rd Century AD
A finely cast Roman bronze decorative mount depicting a reclining lion rendered in a naturalistic yet stylised manner. The animal is portrayed alert, with its head raised, carefully modelled facial features, and a deeply incised mane that continues across the neck and shoulders. The elongated body rests upon a horizontal support incorporating two integral suspension or attachment loops, indicating that the piece originally formed part of a larger object. The bronze has developed an attractive dark green archaeological patina with lighter areas highlighting the sculptural details.
Decorative mounts of this type were widely employed throughout the Roman Empire to embellish luxury furniture, wooden caskets, horse harnesses, ceremonial equipment, or architectural fittings. Lions were among the most favoured protective motifs in Roman decorative arts, symbolising courage, vigilance, and imperial authority. The careful execution of the sculpture and the practical attachment system reflect the high standard of Roman bronze craftsmanship during the Imperial period, where functional objects were often enriched with finely modelled animal figures.
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 4.5 × 2.8 × 1.1 cm
Weight: 28.5 g
Provenance: Acquired in Netherlands. Former Belgian private collection assembled during the 2000’s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Roman Bronze Lion Mount – 1st to 3rd Century AD
A finely cast Roman bronze decorative mount depicting a reclining lion rendered in a naturalistic yet stylised manner. The animal is portrayed alert, with its head raised, carefully modelled facial features, and a deeply incised mane that continues across the neck and shoulders. The elongated body rests upon a horizontal support incorporating two integral suspension or attachment loops, indicating that the piece originally formed part of a larger object. The bronze has developed an attractive dark green archaeological patina with lighter areas highlighting the sculptural details.
Decorative mounts of this type were widely employed throughout the Roman Empire to embellish luxury furniture, wooden caskets, horse harnesses, ceremonial equipment, or architectural fittings. Lions were among the most favoured protective motifs in Roman decorative arts, symbolising courage, vigilance, and imperial authority. The careful execution of the sculpture and the practical attachment system reflect the high standard of Roman bronze craftsmanship during the Imperial period, where functional objects were often enriched with finely modelled animal figures.
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 4.5 × 2.8 × 1.1 cm
Weight: 28.5 g
Provenance: Acquired in Netherlands. Former Belgian private collection assembled during the 2000’s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Weight
28.5 g
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1st to 3rd Century AD
Acquired from
Auction house
Country of origin
Unknown
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Colour
Black
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Height
4.5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Width
2.8 cm
Depth
1.1 cm
Sold by
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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.
