Ancient Roman Bronze Very large lion-head door handle
08
days
05
hours
47
minutes
16
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Roman Empire bronze very large lion head door fitting (applique) dating to ca. 1–3 A.D.; with original patina and corrosion-related enhancements, width 16 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Roman Empire – Bronze very large lion head fitting (application) – 1st–3rd century AD.
Rare Roman bronze fitting in the form of a frontally depicted lion head with prominently carved eyes, strong snout, and stylized mane. The lion is one of the most popular symbols of protection and power in Roman art and was frequently used as a decorative mount element on furniture, chests, doors, wagons, or architectural wooden elements.
The present specimen was cast from thin bronze. The open back and the surrounding remnants of the fastenings indicate an original mounting on an organic support of wood. Over the centuries, an attractive green to olive-brown patina of aging developed.
The object is in an authentic condition with signs of aging and corrosion as well as material losses, which underscore the archaeological character. Despite the damage, the distinctive facial features and the characteristic mane are excellently preserved.
Material: Bronze
Culture: Roman Empire
Dating: ca. 1st–3rd century AD
Condition: Original patina. Corrosion-induced perforations and edge losses. Stable preservation state. Please note the photos as part of the description.
Comparative literature
* J. Spier, Roman Bronzes, in: Mougins Museum of Classical Art, Mougins, 2011.
* C. Dauphin, Animals in the Ancient World: The Levett Bestiary, Mougins, 2014.
* Pompeii A.D. 79, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1977, Cat. No. 171 (comparable lion head fittings).
* Comparable Roman lion busts and bronze fittings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Roman Empire – Bronze very large lion head fitting (application) – 1st–3rd century AD.
Rare Roman bronze fitting in the form of a frontally depicted lion head with prominently carved eyes, strong snout, and stylized mane. The lion is one of the most popular symbols of protection and power in Roman art and was frequently used as a decorative mount element on furniture, chests, doors, wagons, or architectural wooden elements.
The present specimen was cast from thin bronze. The open back and the surrounding remnants of the fastenings indicate an original mounting on an organic support of wood. Over the centuries, an attractive green to olive-brown patina of aging developed.
The object is in an authentic condition with signs of aging and corrosion as well as material losses, which underscore the archaeological character. Despite the damage, the distinctive facial features and the characteristic mane are excellently preserved.
Material: Bronze
Culture: Roman Empire
Dating: ca. 1st–3rd century AD
Condition: Original patina. Corrosion-induced perforations and edge losses. Stable preservation state. Please note the photos as part of the description.
Comparative literature
* J. Spier, Roman Bronzes, in: Mougins Museum of Classical Art, Mougins, 2011.
* C. Dauphin, Animals in the Ancient World: The Levett Bestiary, Mougins, 2014.
* Pompeii A.D. 79, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1977, Cat. No. 171 (comparable lion head fittings).
* Comparable Roman lion busts and bronze fittings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
Ca 2. Jh.
Name of object
Very large lion-head door handle
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2008
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Previous owner - year acquired
1983
Width
16 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
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.
