Roman Leaded Bronze Dolphin Attachment

**First Time At Auction**

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A cast leaded bronze dolphin attachment with finely delineated eyes, fins, dorsal fin, and tail, and its mouth around a fishtail or hook-like form. Dolphins were a powerful and popular motif in Roman artwork. The Romans were in part a maritime empire, and the iconography of the sea included dolphins, believed to carry souls to the Fortunate Isles, perhaps because they could pass through the air-breathing terrestrial world and into the watery depths that claimed so many Roman sailors' lives. Size: 2.125" H (5.4 cm); 2.875" H (7.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158365
Condition Report: Dolphin is attached to stand. Old loss to lower/tail end as shown. Normal surface wear commensurate with age, but rendered details are still discernible. Bronze has developed a wonderful deep green patina.