Roman Bronze Applique - Female Mask

**Originally Listed At $500**

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. An impressive bronze maskette applique for the handle terminal with expressive facial features including deepset eyes that probably once had inlays, a wide nose, a small mouth above a large chin, a coiffure featuring a wavy fringe of bangs with long ringlets falling to either side of the chin, and a pronounced spiked helmet or diadem atop. As in Greece, masks played an important role in Roman theatre. An actor's entire head and hair would be covered by a large mask of simple design, made from linen or cork, with holes for the mouth and eyes. These masks allowed audience members seated in all areas of the theatre to understand what was happening, while also amplifying the actor's voice. Mask motifs on decorative art as well as utilitarian objects speak to the power and popularity of Roman theatre. Size: 2.5" W x 3.25" H (6.4 cm x 8.3 cm); 4.4" H (11.2 cm) on included custom stand.

See a bronze oil lamp offered by our gallery featuring an applique very similar to this one: https://classic.liveauctioneers.com/item/66988822_impressive-roman-bronze-oil-lamp-w-mask-handle

Provenance: private California, USA collection; ex-Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Germany, 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#146076
Condition Report: Nice preservation of form and detail with mottled bright green and red-brown patina. Attachment to stand at back has not been closely examined but seems to involve putty attached to the bronze surface.