Roman bronze Bacchic panther along with Spanish export license - 5.5 cm

This bronze figure represents a Bacchic panther, a recurring motif in the iconography of the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD. Closely associated with the god Bacchus (Dionysus in Greek mythology), the panther was his sacred animal and symbolized the wildness, savagery, and mystical ecstasy of his cults. In many Roman reliefs and sculptures, panthers appear accompanying the god in his triumphal processions, known as Bacchic thiasos, or holding the wine jar, a central element in Dionysian rituals.

The sculpture displays a dynamic posture: the panther advances with one of its front paws raised and its face sculpted with great expressiveness. Its muscular body and ornamental details, visible on the belly, reflect the artist's skill in bronze work. The oval base suggests that it may have served as part of a decorative ensemble, perhaps as an element of a candlestick, an incense burner, or even an appliqué for a piece of furniture or domestic altar.

Depictions of panthers in Roman art frequently appear in mosaics, frescoes, and bronze sculptures, many of them found in contexts associated with Roman villas and temples dedicated to Bacchus. A similar example is found in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, where several panther figures are preserved associated with luxury furniture.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, M.R.G in the 70's.
-The piece includes an authenticity certificate as well as Spanish export license (Passport for European Union).

IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %.

Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.