Roman Bronze Grotesque Statuette
£ 550.00
A very fine Ancient Roman bronze statuette depicting a male dwarfish figure in the ‘grotesque’ style. The figure is depicted in motion, standing upon one leg with the left arm raised and the right placed upon his hip, as though dancing. The bulky physique presents a protruding stomach, exposed genitalia, and softened, portly musculature to the limbs. The large head is tilted sideways to an almost uncomfortable degree, and features careful carving denoting the nose, mouth, facial hair, and wavy, receding head hair. Two hollowed holes in the face would have featured inlays for the eyes. The figure wears a long, pointed slipper on the left foot. A beautiful dark patina coats the bronze, flaking off in areas across the body. The right foot and left arm are now missing. This piece is mounted on a custom stand.
NB: Measurements below include the stand.
Date: Circa 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD
Condition: Very fine. Patination and minor abrasion to the surface. Evidence of repair to the left foot, with glue residue within the slipper. Right foot chipped at the ankle. Left arm chipped in the forearm.
In stock
Grotesques as an artistic motif were popularised during the Hellenistic period and feature in a variety of Roman art. The grotesque paintings on the walls of Nero’s Domus Aurea are perhaps one of the most famous examples of the tradition, but an abundance of bronze figurines, such as this fine piece, have been widely documented. There is much Hellenistic influence in these portrayals, seen in the attention to anatomy and theatrical, dynamic poses. The figures are assumed to have been apotropaic in nature, warding off evil spirits or bad health, and some were likely worn as charms or amulets on the person.
To discover more about protective emblems in antiquity, please visit our relevant blog post: Apotropaic Art
