Roman Bronze Patera Handle w/ Ram Head

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fine, hollow cast bronze patera handle terminating in the head of a ram. The handle is fluted, resembling a horizontal column, and the ram terminal is nicely detailed with dramatic, curled horns embellished with ridged surfaces, a long muzzle, and naturalistic facial features (eyes, nostrils, mouth). The patera was used for serving food and drinks at banquets, or for carrying libations used in religious ceremonies and funerals. High quality bronze examples were furnished with either a wolf or ram head finial on their handles like this example. Size: 5.625" L x 1.75" W (14.3 cm x 4.4 cm); 2.875" H (7.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Richard Wagner Collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, collected 1960's to 1980's; purchased from Mr. Wagner in New York in 1989

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#149974
Condition Report: Old chips to peripheries of the end that once attached to the now missing patera. Minute nicks to tips of ram's horns, high-pointed areas of the handle and ram's visage/muzzle, but nice details of the column's fluting and ram's facial features as well as tufted fur atop and spotted coat below the head remain. Bronze has developed a gorgeous green patina with nice areas of aqua-hued verdigris patina as well.