While it is clear that the Romans kept dogs for practical purposes and specific functions, whether as a guard dog, for farming, or for hunting, there is much evidence to suggest that dogs were also cherished pets, sometimes even as members of the family. The Romans were known to erect tombstone and graves with touching epithets to their dogs upon their passing. Epithets, such as ‘portavi lacrimis madidus te nostra catella, quod feci lustris laetior ante tribus’ (‘I am in tears, while carrying you to your last resting place as much as I rejoiced when bringing you home in my own hands fifteen years ago’), paint an emotive image of their bond. Representations of dogs in Roman art ranged from statues and figurines, such as this piece, to mosaics, with the ‘Cave Canem’ (‘Beware of the Dog’) mosaic in Pompeii perhaps being one of the most famous. As with modern dogs, different dog breeds were bred for different purposes, with the Molossian breed used as a war dog, guarding the army camp, the miniature Melitan dog as a lap dog, and greyhounds as hunting and guard dogs serving as just a few examples.
Roman Bronze Dog Statuette
£ 650.00
A fine Roman dog statuette cast from bronze. The animal stands on three legs with its left paw outstretched, and its head raised high, suggesting that it is begging or howling. The anatomical features have been naturalistically rendered including its pointed ears, which lie flat against its head, and its snout. Small incised lines across its body and head mimic the dog’s fur and toes. The statuette has been mounted on a custom-made stand.
Dimensions without stand: L 5.7cm x H 4.6cm
Condition: Fine condition. The right hind leg of the dog has been repaired. Glue residue around the repair and at the contact points between the statuette and stand. A beautiful dark patina to the surface.
SOLD
| Weight | 73 g |
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| Dimensions | L 6 x W 3.4 x H 7.1 cm |
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