Roman, late Republic to early Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE. A fine bronze figure of a dwarf, who stands nude save for a Phrygian cap. The portly figure squats upon thick legs with slightly bent knees, delineated genitalia, and extended arms, as though gesturing. His fleshy face nearly resembles a grotesque, appearing both swollen and distorted with thick folds of skin forming his arched brow, bulging eyes, a bulbous nose, prominent nasolabial folds, full lips held slightly parted, and a pointed chin. Note the artist's keen attention to detail, as evident in the figure's delineated fingers and toes, as well as his incised navel. An annular perforation presents below his rotund buttocks, allowing the figure to be attached to a shaft and serve as a decoration or finial. Size: 1.9" W x 3" H (4.8 cm x 7.6 cm)
Frequently displayed in Roman domestic settings, small-scale statuettes of dwarfs, like this example, were particularly popular during the late Republican and early Imperial periods and were strongly associated with Egyptian culture. This may be the explanation for our dwarf's Phrygian cap, which Romans typically associated with foreigners and "otherness."
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#152939
Condition
Some minor nicks to areas. Intact and excellent with lovely patina and light earthen deposits in recessed areas.