£ 385.00
A finely crafted Roman bronze ram statuette. The animal is presented standing on all four legs with its head tilted upwards. The positioning of the legs suggests movement, making the figure appear more dynamic. The anatomical features have been naturalistically rendered including the eyes, long mouth, curved horns. Indentations across the body have been used to mimic the sheep’s wool. This statuette has been mounted on a custom-made stand.
SOLD
The ram was one of the most popular sacrificial animals in the Roman world, and were also sacrificed as part of the suovetaurilia; one of the most sacred rites in Roman pagan antiquity. Ram’s would have been part of public ceremonies for events such as blessing the military before battle. Additionally, rams were often associated with fertility and new life, so it is therefore possible that this bronze figurine could have been a votive offering of some kind.
| Weight | 57.8 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 4 x W 3 x H 5.3 cm |
| Metal | Bronze |
| Region | Southern Europe |
Reference: For a similar item,Christie’s A Peaceable Kingdom: the Leo Mildenberg Collection sale, 27 Oct 2004, Lot 231
