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THBRare Roman Terracotta Murmillo Gladiator Figure
Lot 40a
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$5,500 - $8,000
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
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| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Mar 24, 2022
Set Reminder
2022-03-24 10:00:00
2022-03-24 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-9057
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (416)
- Lot Description
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
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#170786Repaired 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.Condition
- Shipping Info
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