Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Figure - 4 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  € 250 - € 330
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Roman bronze eagle statuette from the Imperial period (1st–3rd century AD), standing 4 × 2 × 1.8 cm and weighing 28.44 g, in acceptable condition with possible minor parts missing, provenance Germany from a private collection.

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Description from the seller

Roman Bronze Eagle Statuette – 1st to 3rd Century AD

A finely cast Roman bronze eagle depicted standing upright with its wings folded tightly against the body. Although rendered in a stylised manner, the figure clearly captures the characteristic hooked beak, elongated neck and commanding posture associated with the imperial eagle. The compact proportions and careful modelling suggest that it originally served as a decorative fitting or small votive figure, while its rich dark-green patina and areas of mineral encrustation attest to its considerable antiquity.

The eagle (Aquila) was among the most powerful symbols of the Roman Empire, representing Jupiter, military authority and imperial power. It was famously carried as the sacred standard of each Roman legion and frequently appeared in religious, military and domestic contexts. Small bronze eagles such as this were commonly used as decorative appliqués, attachments to furniture or ceremonial equipment, or as personal devotional objects dedicated to Jupiter. The present example preserves an attractive archaeological surface with excellent overall integrity, making it a fine representation of Roman bronze craftsmanship.

Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 4 × 2 × 1.8 cm
Weight: 28.44 g

Provenance: Acquired in Germany. From a German private collection assembled during the 1980s.

All items come with CoA sent to your email address.

Roman Bronze Eagle Statuette – 1st to 3rd Century AD

A finely cast Roman bronze eagle depicted standing upright with its wings folded tightly against the body. Although rendered in a stylised manner, the figure clearly captures the characteristic hooked beak, elongated neck and commanding posture associated with the imperial eagle. The compact proportions and careful modelling suggest that it originally served as a decorative fitting or small votive figure, while its rich dark-green patina and areas of mineral encrustation attest to its considerable antiquity.

The eagle (Aquila) was among the most powerful symbols of the Roman Empire, representing Jupiter, military authority and imperial power. It was famously carried as the sacred standard of each Roman legion and frequently appeared in religious, military and domestic contexts. Small bronze eagles such as this were commonly used as decorative appliqués, attachments to furniture or ceremonial equipment, or as personal devotional objects dedicated to Jupiter. The present example preserves an attractive archaeological surface with excellent overall integrity, making it a fine representation of Roman bronze craftsmanship.

Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 4 × 2 × 1.8 cm
Weight: 28.44 g

Provenance: Acquired in Germany. From a German private collection assembled during the 1980s.

All items come with CoA sent to your email address.

Details

Era
Before 1400
Weight
28.44 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
Germany
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Height
4 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Width
2 cm
Depth
1.8 cm
The NetherlandsVerified
322
Objects sold
100%
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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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