Ancient Roman Bronze Ancient Roman Bronze Legionary Foot with Military Sandal
10
days
21
hours
38
minutes
50
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
 | €1 |
|---|
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143856 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Ancient Roman bronze miniature foot of a legionary wearing a caliga sandal, circa 2nd–3rd century AD, weight 19.4 g, dimensions 32.4 × 24.6 × 17.5 mm, from a private European collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ancient Roman Bronze Legionary Foot with Military Sandal
Roman Empire, circa 2nd–3rd Century AD
Weight: 19.4 g
Dimensions: 32.4 × 24.6 × 17.5 mm
From a Private European Collection.
An exceptional and highly attractive Ancient Roman bronze miniature foot of a legionary, wearing an elaborately modelled military sandal.
Despite its remarkably small dimensions, the craftsmanship is extraordinary. The ancient artist carefully rendered the individual toes and the complex arrangement of straps across the foot and ankle, creating a remarkably vivid representation of Roman military footwear.
The robust strapped sandal recalls the famous caliga, the characteristic military footwear associated with Roman legionaries and auxiliary soldiers. Designed for the demanding life of the Roman army, such footwear became one of the most recognisable elements of the equipment of the Roman soldier.
Particularly striking is the exceptional surface of the piece. The beautifully preserved dark ancient patina contrasts with areas of exposed bronze, producing wonderful warm golden-bronze highlights across the toes, straps and raised details. This natural contrast dramatically emphasises the sculptural modelling and gives this small object an extraordinary visual presence.
Above the ankle survives a substantial cylindrical attachment, indicating that the foot originally formed part of a larger bronze representation, most probably a small figure depicting a Roman soldier or legionary.
The Footwear of Rome's Legions:
The Roman army was one of the most formidable military forces of antiquity, and the equipment of its soldiers was designed for a life dominated by long marches, military campaigns and battle.
Roman military footwear was constructed from strong leather, with an elaborate arrangement of straps securing the sandal around the foot and ankle. The distinctive caliga became so closely associated with the Roman army that the future emperor Caligula received his famous nickname from the miniature military boots (caligae) he wore as a child while accompanying his father Germanicus among the legions.
This remarkable little bronze therefore evokes one of the most iconic figures of antiquity: the Roman legionary.
The combination of its miniature dimensions, remarkably detailed military sandal, attractive ancient patina and striking exposed bronze surfaces makes this an extraordinary and highly collectable example of Roman bronze craftsmanship.
A very rare and exceptionally attractive miniature representation of a Roman legionary's foot – a fascinating survivor from the military world of the Roman Empire.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Roman Bronze Legionary Foot with Military Sandal
Roman Empire, circa 2nd–3rd Century AD
Weight: 19.4 g
Dimensions: 32.4 × 24.6 × 17.5 mm
From a Private European Collection.
An exceptional and highly attractive Ancient Roman bronze miniature foot of a legionary, wearing an elaborately modelled military sandal.
Despite its remarkably small dimensions, the craftsmanship is extraordinary. The ancient artist carefully rendered the individual toes and the complex arrangement of straps across the foot and ankle, creating a remarkably vivid representation of Roman military footwear.
The robust strapped sandal recalls the famous caliga, the characteristic military footwear associated with Roman legionaries and auxiliary soldiers. Designed for the demanding life of the Roman army, such footwear became one of the most recognisable elements of the equipment of the Roman soldier.
Particularly striking is the exceptional surface of the piece. The beautifully preserved dark ancient patina contrasts with areas of exposed bronze, producing wonderful warm golden-bronze highlights across the toes, straps and raised details. This natural contrast dramatically emphasises the sculptural modelling and gives this small object an extraordinary visual presence.
Above the ankle survives a substantial cylindrical attachment, indicating that the foot originally formed part of a larger bronze representation, most probably a small figure depicting a Roman soldier or legionary.
The Footwear of Rome's Legions:
The Roman army was one of the most formidable military forces of antiquity, and the equipment of its soldiers was designed for a life dominated by long marches, military campaigns and battle.
Roman military footwear was constructed from strong leather, with an elaborate arrangement of straps securing the sandal around the foot and ankle. The distinctive caliga became so closely associated with the Roman army that the future emperor Caligula received his famous nickname from the miniature military boots (caligae) he wore as a child while accompanying his father Germanicus among the legions.
This remarkable little bronze therefore evokes one of the most iconic figures of antiquity: the Roman legionary.
The combination of its miniature dimensions, remarkably detailed military sandal, attractive ancient patina and striking exposed bronze surfaces makes this an extraordinary and highly collectable example of Roman bronze craftsmanship.
A very rare and exceptionally attractive miniature representation of a Roman legionary's foot – a fascinating survivor from the military world of the Roman Empire.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
circa 2nd–3rd Century AD
Name of object
Ancient Roman Bronze Legionary Foot with Military Sandal
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
