Roman Leaded Bronze Dwarf Figurine w/ Great Patina

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A cast-leaded-bronze figurine of a petite size depicting a male dwarf standing in a pose traditionally donned by fighters. The figure has a skirt wrapped around his waist with delineated genitalia poking out from beneath, a muscular chest indicative of intense physical training, and raised arms that are seemingly ready to throw a punch. The head is tilted slightly to one side and displays pursed lips as well as almond-shaped eyes beneath furrowed brows, all beneath a bald top. Mottled brown, green, and russet patina has formed across the figurine. Size: 1.375" W x 1.8" H (3.5 cm x 4.6 cm)

A stylistically similar example of a fighting dwarf, of a larger size, hammered for $6,572 at Christie's, New York "The Morven Collection of Ancient Art" auction (sale 1466, June 8, 2004, lot 489).

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, acquired in 2019; ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Collins collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1990s

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#154197
Condition Report: Restoration to left arm up to shoulder, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Loss to right hand as shown. Minor abrasions to head, body, and legs, with light softening to some finer details, and minor encrustations. Great patina throughout. Old inventory label on verso.