Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. This is an outstanding example of a gladiator figure made from terracotta wielding a short sword and holding up a shield. He hands with legs slightly bent in a ready position, dressed in greaves, and brimmed and crested helmet identifying him as a murmillo. The shield or scutum covers his chest and face in defense as he faces his opponent. Murmillo figures like this example were typically presented opposite a Thracian fighter wearing similar armor. This figure has great remains of white pigments indicating he was brightly painted at one time. Size: 2.5" L x 3" W x 6.25" H (6.4 cm x 7.6 cm x 15.9 cm); 6.5" H (16.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Brutal gladiator fights were popular entertainment in the Roman World, and although the fighters that lived through enough fights could gain a celebrity status, these men were usually slaves, criminals, prisoners, or freed men who chose the profession- likely due to dire circumstance. The gladiators had specific fighting tactics as indicated by armor and weapons- here the murmillo is a gladiator of Gallic origin. The murmillo gladiators replaced the earlier Gallus warriors (named after the Gauls). By the reign of Augustus, the Gauls had integrated with the Romans, and it became distasteful to portray them as enemies. Hence, the Gallus class gladiator was replaced by the murmillo. The murmillo's fighting style was suited for men that were tall and very strong to carry the weight of the large shield, helmet, and sword. The popularity of the sport spread throughout the empire and miniature depictions of these fighters were produced for fans, often made of either terracotta or bronze.

For a similar example of this figure please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, accession number: 10.210.78.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#170786

Repaired with sword blade reattached and visible break line to this area. Surface abrasions nicks and chips commensurate with age, including top of helmet, feet, and legs. Heavy mineral deposits on the surface and remains of painted pigments.