Roman Bronze Chariot Rein Guides, Eagle Form (pr)
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE. A matching pair of fierce, cast bronze chariot fittings, each with projecting swan heads rising in sinuous curves from each side and a majestic eagle head atop a cylindrical shaft. The base of each shaft is flared and round. The swans are nearly identical, with shallow incisions giving them a dense pattern of feathers on their exposed necks and heads. Each swan has well-defined eyes and sharp beaks. The eagle also has a dense pattern of feathers on its head and neck, a deeply-curved beak, and narrowed eyes that give it a hunter's look. Incised motifs on the shafts of each resemble wheat stalks, perhaps a makers' mark. Size: 4.55" W x 4.5" H (11.6 cm x 11.4 cm)
The eagle was a symbol of Roman's legions, and its fierceness and power is well represented here. The swans probably reference the story of Leda, which, although originally Greek, was popular in ancient Rome. Roman chariots were not used for warfare, but instead in circuses and in triumphal processions. As a result, elaborate finials like these became de rigeur, lending a unique look to each chariot, where they were mounted on posts above each wheel. The carriage was supported by leather straps wrapped around the shaft and guided by the projecting arms. This absorbed the vibrations of the wooden wheels, making the ride smoother. Imagine the sun flashing off of the polished bronze that these would have been when made!
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-William Froelich collection, New York, USA, collected in the 1970s
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.
#141955
Condition Report: Slight bending to forms of both. Light deposits and mottled pale turquoise patina on the surfaces of both. One has a deep scratch on one of the swan necks. Excellent preservation of detail.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE. A matching pair of fierce, cast bronze chariot fittings, each with projecting swan heads rising in sinuous curves from each side and a majestic eagle head atop a cylindrical shaft. The base of each shaft is flared and round. The swans are nearly identical, with shallow incisions giving them a dense pattern of feathers on their exposed necks and heads. Each swan has well-defined eyes and sharp beaks. The eagle also has a dense pattern of feathers on its head and neck, a deeply-curved beak, and narrowed eyes that give it a hunter's look. Incised motifs on the shafts of each resemble wheat stalks, perhaps a makers' mark. Size: 4.55" W x 4.5" H (11.6 cm x 11.4 cm)
The eagle was a symbol of Roman's legions, and its fierceness and power is well represented here. The swans probably reference the story of Leda, which, although originally Greek, was popular in ancient Rome. Roman chariots were not used for warfare, but instead in circuses and in triumphal processions. As a result, elaborate finials like these became de rigeur, lending a unique look to each chariot, where they were mounted on posts above each wheel. The carriage was supported by leather straps wrapped around the shaft and guided by the projecting arms. This absorbed the vibrations of the wooden wheels, making the ride smoother. Imagine the sun flashing off of the polished bronze that these would have been when made!
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-William Froelich collection, New York, USA, collected in the 1970s
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.
#141955
Condition Report: Slight bending to forms of both. Light deposits and mottled pale turquoise patina on the surfaces of both. One has a deep scratch on one of the swan necks. Excellent preservation of detail.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
