Large Chariot Attachment in Form of a Male Bust

Culture: Roman

Period: 2nd-3rd century A.D.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 12 cm x 8 cm

Price: 4 200 Euro

Ref: 3304

Provenance: French private collection, acquired in a Parisian auction house. Accompanied by a French antiquities passport.

Condition: Intact

Description: Large bronze applique in form of a male bust with archaic features. The eyes are large with punched iris, the lids almost circular with pointy outer edges. Above thick, bushy eyebrows reaching to the nose. His hair is short and finished in cold work, noticeable is the long hair on the back of the head, suggesting that the present figure is either an athlete or a boxer. The chest is massiv and muscularly rounded, the upper arms are decorated with incised patterns. They run behind acanthus leaves origining from columns. The stomach is stylizedly slim and flattened. At the bottom a flat, on the front decorated plate with semi circular perforations. An eyelet at the back of the figure's neck. The bust served as a chariot attachment, possibly on the gable of the box. For reference of the type see: Werner Melchart, “Antike Kostbarkeiten aus österreichischem Privatbesitz“, VIenna 1997, page 77, ill. 133.