Dolphins were a popular motif in Roman art. They were used as amulets, like these examples or depicted as statues in bronze, as well as on mosaics, frescoes and on the reverse of coins. They appear frequently in mythology, often helping Classical heroes such as Theseus, as well as being associated with a number of gods, including Bacchus, Apollo, Venus and Cupid. Within the creation myth written by the Latin author, Nonnus, writing in the 5th century AD, he claims within in his epic poem the ‘Dionysiaca’, that a dolphin carried Aphrodite from the sea to the island of Cyprus.
For more information about the meanings of animals in Roman art, see our relevant blog post: Animal Symbolism in Roman Art.
