Dogs tended to be kept for a specific function during the Roman period, such as guard dogs, watch dogs, or hunting dogs. But there is evidence that they were also kept as pets. Dogs were most often seen as household protectors, and it was said that a dog barking at nothing was a warning of the approach of Trivia, the goddess of graveyards and witchcraft, as dogs were always able to sense her presence. Perhaps the most famous visual representation of a dog in Ancient Rome is the ‘Cave Canem’ (“Beware of the Dog”) mosaic, at the entrance to the House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii.
Roman Bronze Lid with a Sitting Dog Statuette
£ 600.00
A fine ancient Roman dog statuette cast from bronze. The animal is depicted sitting on its rump, its right paw is lifted, as if offering it to someone. The anatomical features have been naturalistically rendered including the small ears, round eyes and long snout. The dog wears a collar, potentially indicating its status as a valued pet. The animal sits on a round base with loop at the back, suggesting that the item was possibly a balsamarium or other high-status vessel lid.
Dimensions of the statuette without the stand: H 4cm x W 4cm
Provenance: ‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
Condition: Very fine. Mounted on a custom-made stand.
SOLD
| Weight | 59.2 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 4.4 x W 3.5 x H 5.6 cm |
| Region | Southern Europe |
| Metal | Bronze |
Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item 1814,0704.1566
