Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Small anthropomorphic finial with a human head – Imperial Roman art, 2nd–3rd centuries AD. - 25 mm (No reserve price)
02
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Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Roman bronze appliqué with a grotesque theatrical face mask – 1st–3rd centuries AD.
Culture: Roman.
Reference period: Roman Empire, 1st–3rd centuries AD.
Material: Cast bronze.
Dimensions: 17 × 17 × 10 mm.
Description for auction:
Extraordinary small ornamental bronze appliqué featuring an expressive grotesque theatrical mask, belonging to the artistic tradition of the Roman world.
The piece stands out for the expressive force of its features, carefully modeled in high relief. It presents large almond-shaped eyes, a short and prominent nose, rounded cheeks, and a mouth with full lips, slightly ajar, which gives the face a singular expression.
The head is framed by abundant hair of wavy locks, with small lateral volumes that accentuate its sculptural character.
Theatrical masks, inspired by the Greek tradition, constituted a highly valued ornamental motif during the Roman Empire. Their representation extended to bronze objects, containers, furniture, and small decorative elements, reflecting the close relationship between theater, mythology, and Roman daily life.
Especially attractive is the preservation of facial details despite its small size, testimony to the skill of artisans specialized in small figurative pieces.
The surface features a beautiful olive-green archaeological patina, with brown tones, ochre mineral deposits, and concretions that enhance the relief of the mask.
Conservation status: Good overall preservation, with facial features clearly recognizable, hair details visible, and attractive surface patina.
Roman bronze appliqué with a grotesque theatrical face mask – 1st–3rd centuries AD.
Culture: Roman.
Reference period: Roman Empire, 1st–3rd centuries AD.
Material: Cast bronze.
Dimensions: 17 × 17 × 10 mm.
Description for auction:
Extraordinary small ornamental bronze appliqué featuring an expressive grotesque theatrical mask, belonging to the artistic tradition of the Roman world.
The piece stands out for the expressive force of its features, carefully modeled in high relief. It presents large almond-shaped eyes, a short and prominent nose, rounded cheeks, and a mouth with full lips, slightly ajar, which gives the face a singular expression.
The head is framed by abundant hair of wavy locks, with small lateral volumes that accentuate its sculptural character.
Theatrical masks, inspired by the Greek tradition, constituted a highly valued ornamental motif during the Roman Empire. Their representation extended to bronze objects, containers, furniture, and small decorative elements, reflecting the close relationship between theater, mythology, and Roman daily life.
Especially attractive is the preservation of facial details despite its small size, testimony to the skill of artisans specialized in small figurative pieces.
The surface features a beautiful olive-green archaeological patina, with brown tones, ochre mineral deposits, and concretions that enhance the relief of the mask.
Conservation status: Good overall preservation, with facial features clearly recognizable, hair details visible, and attractive surface patina.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
S.II
Name of object
Small anthropomorphic finial with a human head – Imperial Roman art, 2nd–3rd centuries AD.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1970
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Spain
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
25 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
22 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
5 mm
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.
