Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fascinating cast-bronze situla with a cylindrical body with deep horizontal ribs. A pair of finely-detailed comedy masks are applied to the upper sides of the rim, each with plaited hair, almond-shaped eyes, broad noses, characteristically-wide mouths, projecting tongues, and brows adorned by flowers. Each mask applique has two small integral suspension loops projecting upward from above the head, and a pair of slender parabolic handles with pointed terminals are hooked through the loops. The situla was originally made for cooling and serving wine at banquets; others were used to hold ashes, or were buried with offerings in tombs. Size: 11.3" W x 6.45" H (28.7 cm x 16.4 cm)
As in Greece, masks played an important role in Roman theatre. An actor's entire head and hair would be covered by a large mask of simple design, made from linen or cork, with holes for the mouth and eyes. These masks allowed audience members seated in all areas of the theatre to understand what was happening, while also amplifying the actor's voice. The Pompeiian mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet (now in the Naples National Archaeological Museum) shows several examples of these masks including one actor wearing one pushed up on his head. Mask motifs on decorative art as well as utilitarian objects speak to the power and popularity of Roman theatre.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-William Froelich collection, New York, USA, collected in the 1970s
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#138449
Condition
Underside is missing, with slightly ragged edge around the base. Fissure cracks on one handle where it meets the loop. Applied maskette on one side has been repaired and restored, with overpainting along restored area.