Roman Bronze Figure - Duck Figure
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Description
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An adorable leaded bronze duck figurine with webbed feet, thick legs, and tucked wings as it stands upon a circular plinth. Supported by a long, slender neck, the ancient animal slightly turns his petite head featuring a gently-curved bill and annular eyes. Ducks were highly symbolic animals in Ancient Rome. These migratory birds represented change and constant motion as well alertness. According to legend, it was a gaggle of geese or ducks that alerted Rome to the invasion of the Gauls - their keen hearing made these gregarious birds exceptional watchdogs to warn of intruders and danger. Size: 2.1" W x 2" H (5.3 cm x 5.1 cm)
Birds - and indeed, animals of all kinds - were incredibly popular artistic themes in the Roman Empire. Romans delighted in seeing animals, and a major industry during the imperial period was the capture and transport of birds, mammals, and lizards for display and sport in the Roman arena. Ancient Roman mosaic artwork reflects this interest. For example, at Pompeii, there are multiple mosaics depicting well-rendered, lifelike birds engaging in a variety of activities - sitting in trees, warily watching cats, and in the case of one partridge, plucking at a necklace as if to steal it. Based on where mosaics depicting them have been found, birds seem to have been considered tranquil, peaceful subjects for the interiors of homes (not so the case with many other types of animals).
Provenance: private Elyria, Ohio, USA collection; ex-Collector Antiquities, London, UK
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#178595
Birds - and indeed, animals of all kinds - were incredibly popular artistic themes in the Roman Empire. Romans delighted in seeing animals, and a major industry during the imperial period was the capture and transport of birds, mammals, and lizards for display and sport in the Roman arena. Ancient Roman mosaic artwork reflects this interest. For example, at Pompeii, there are multiple mosaics depicting well-rendered, lifelike birds engaging in a variety of activities - sitting in trees, warily watching cats, and in the case of one partridge, plucking at a necklace as if to steal it. Based on where mosaics depicting them have been found, birds seem to have been considered tranquil, peaceful subjects for the interiors of homes (not so the case with many other types of animals).
Provenance: private Elyria, Ohio, USA collection; ex-Collector Antiquities, London, UK
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#178595
Condition
Expected light abrasions with some small chipping to base, as shown. Possible areas of resurfacing. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining detail and rich patina throughout.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
Roman Bronze Figure - Duck Figure
Estimate $1,000 - $1,500
1 bidder is watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
Local Pickup Available
Payment
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Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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