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THBRoman Bone Plaque - 2 Dueling Gladiators
Lot 33
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:
$2,400 - $3,600
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| $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
Dec 3, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-12-03 10:00:00
2020-12-03 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Ethnographic & Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-6119
Features classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fine Art, so much more! All legally acquired, legal to sell. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Features classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fine Art, so much more! All legally acquired, legal to sell. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (381)
- Lot Description
Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. How fun! A remarkably preserved rectangular plaque finely hand carved from bovine bone featuring a relief of two confronting gladiators in a double border. The left gladiator wears a helmet enclosing his entire head, indicating that he is a Thracian gladiator, and a full suit of armor as he bends his left leg and points a gladius (sword) with his right hand toward his opponent while bearing a square shield with a circular motif in his left. The competing gladiator stands in profile, wearing a toga, and holding a tall rectangular shield in his right hand, which signifies he is a Murmillo gladiator, while wielding a gladius at his adversary with his bare left arm. An intriguing piece constructed in a fitting medium for its subject matter! Size: 2" L x 1.25" W (5.1 cm x 3.2 cm); 3" H (7.6 cm) on included custom stand.
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.
Taking its proportions into account, it is perhaps more likely that the present plaque in fact formed part of a larger diptych, with additional scenes above or below this 'register'. These items were separated vertically by a hinge and contained wax tablets, used to take notes with a pointed stylus. Their outer covers tend to be carved in low relief. As such, they functioned as luxury commemorative items that were the preserve of the most prosperous and senior members of the Roman aristocracy. Some of the best known of these are the consular diptychs, which were produced to commemorate the election of consuls, and these continued to be produced in the eastern empire after the fall of the west.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired November 11, 1992; ex-private Khabbazi collection
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.
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#157847Some minor nicks to border and interior detail. Very light softening of details, but composition is largely preserved. Intact and excellent.Condition
- Shipping Info
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