Roman Leaded Bronze Plaque w/ Worshipper

**Originally Listed At $1200**

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A decorative plaque, composed of a sheet of bronze with a molded sheet of leaded bronze pressed against it. The plaque depicts a relief figure, shown standing in profile, wearing a long skirt and holding a cup. This is probably a votive figure, depicting a worshipper making an offering of libations, but time has worn away the identifying details. The figure is within a raised border. Three drilled holes through the left side (facing of the piece) would have allowed it to be attached to something else. The lower part of the plaque also has six holes drilled through it, again, probably for attachment. Size: 3.25" W x 8.3" H (8.3 cm x 21.1 cm); 9.15" H (23.2 cm) on included custom stand.

The Romans used lead in their copper alloys for more complex moldings, because, although leaded alloys are more likely to crack when hammered, they are more fluid when molten and will easily flow into a mold at a lower temperature than bronze without lead. That may explain why this piece is made of two sheets, with the more complex molded side formed of a high-lead copper alloy. Roman metalworkers clearly understood the technical properties of the metals they worked with and used them to their advantage.

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection

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#133006
Condition Report: Fascinating mottled green and dark red patina. Repaired from two pieces (repair line is low on the body) with some adhesive visible on the undecorated back. Form is clear, with some remaining detail.