Lovely Roman Bronze Handle - Cherub & Sphinx
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Description
Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A solid bronze decorative handle, cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, featuring a magnficent sphinx at the lower end and a full-cheeked, cherub-like head at the upper end. The ancient Romans used bronze to create more than weapons and tools. This medium was also used to create household items such as this decorative and iconographically rich handle. True to the ancient Roman sensibility, this piece was no ordinary utilitarian handle. Both technically and artistically, it was impressively designed and cast and presents a gorgeous green patina. See more about its iconography below. Size: 5.875" L (14.9 cm); 5.875" H (14.9 cm) on included custom stand (the same dimension, because it leans back ever so slightly so as to present the sphinx at a pleasing angle.
Although the Great Sphinx of Giza is certainly the most famous, sphinxes have a large place in Greek mythology as well -- probably because of the intermixing of Egyptian and Greek culture via trade routes across the Mediterranean. The Greek version of the sphinx, unlike the male Egyptian one, includes the head of a human female, the body of a lioness, the wings of an eagle, and a serpent's tail. Famously, the sphinx asks a riddle of travelers to the city of Thebes, which is solved by Oedipus. However, the Greek version of the sphinx is also sometimes associated with Hera, wife of Zeus.
Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000
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.
#130997
Although the Great Sphinx of Giza is certainly the most famous, sphinxes have a large place in Greek mythology as well -- probably because of the intermixing of Egyptian and Greek culture via trade routes across the Mediterranean. The Greek version of the sphinx, unlike the male Egyptian one, includes the head of a human female, the body of a lioness, the wings of an eagle, and a serpent's tail. Famously, the sphinx asks a riddle of travelers to the city of Thebes, which is solved by Oedipus. However, the Greek version of the sphinx is also sometimes associated with Hera, wife of Zeus.
Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000
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.
#130997
Condition
Intact. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Beautiful emerald green patina.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
Lovely Roman Bronze Handle - Cherub & Sphinx
Estimate $1,000 - $1,500
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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