Roman Leaded Copper Male Nubian Dancer Figure
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fascinating cast-leaded-copper figure of an African male who would have been known as an Ethiopian (Aethiops) or Nubian by the Romans. The figure stands in a dynamic pose that balances on his right foot with his left lightly sweeping behind, his torso leaning dramatically to the left with his left arm bent and bearing an open hand. The perforation in his right hand was perhaps meant to hold a staff or a performative prop such as a drinking vessel, and his muscular physique is clothed with only a knotted loincloth. The dancer's physiognomy is of characteristic African origin with broad ears, puffy lips, and bulging eyes presented beneath a conical hat. Mottled layers of green, brown, and russet patina have formed across this fine example of Roman figural artistry! Size: 2.8" W x 3.5" H (7.1 cm x 8.9 cm); 4.4" H (11.2 cm) on included custom stand.
The Romans had extensive contacts with people from Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa (in addition to variously occupying land in Egypt and western North Africa). Gold, food, spices, slaves, textiles, coinage, and even exotic animals were part of the robust trade between these regions. Some Africans lived in Rome, and some notable examples ascended to high social status. Well-read Romans regarded the kingdom of Ethiopia - which they used to refer to everything south of Egypt - as a place to be respected. However, in Roman mythology and literature, black skin was a sign of an inhabitant of the Underworld - for example, Charon is described not only as having black skin, but also as having the facial features of an Aethiops by multiple Classical authors, including Ovid, Pliny, and Virgil. Actual African and Egyptian performers played theatrical roles of Underworld characters, and according to Cassius Dio, Emperor Domitian (r. 81-96 CE) threw a dinner party for Senators he disliked where he made his adolescent slaves paint themselves black to represent the Underworld in order to terrify his guests. What Romans intended by their artistic depictions of Africans is unclear, and remains a point of research and debate.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#152933
Condition Report: Repairs to left elbow, three fingers on left hand, right arm at shoulder, and left foot at ankle, with light resurfacing and minor adhesive residue along break lines. Loss to original right ankle and foot as shown. Abrasions and minor nicks to legs, body, fingers, and head, with light softening to some finer details, and light encrustations within some recessed areas. Wonderful patina throughout.
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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fascinating cast-leaded-copper figure of an African male who would have been known as an Ethiopian (Aethiops) or Nubian by the Romans. The figure stands in a dynamic pose that balances on his right foot with his left lightly sweeping behind, his torso leaning dramatically to the left with his left arm bent and bearing an open hand. The perforation in his right hand was perhaps meant to hold a staff or a performative prop such as a drinking vessel, and his muscular physique is clothed with only a knotted loincloth. The dancer's physiognomy is of characteristic African origin with broad ears, puffy lips, and bulging eyes presented beneath a conical hat. Mottled layers of green, brown, and russet patina have formed across this fine example of Roman figural artistry! Size: 2.8" W x 3.5" H (7.1 cm x 8.9 cm); 4.4" H (11.2 cm) on included custom stand.
The Romans had extensive contacts with people from Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa (in addition to variously occupying land in Egypt and western North Africa). Gold, food, spices, slaves, textiles, coinage, and even exotic animals were part of the robust trade between these regions. Some Africans lived in Rome, and some notable examples ascended to high social status. Well-read Romans regarded the kingdom of Ethiopia - which they used to refer to everything south of Egypt - as a place to be respected. However, in Roman mythology and literature, black skin was a sign of an inhabitant of the Underworld - for example, Charon is described not only as having black skin, but also as having the facial features of an Aethiops by multiple Classical authors, including Ovid, Pliny, and Virgil. Actual African and Egyptian performers played theatrical roles of Underworld characters, and according to Cassius Dio, Emperor Domitian (r. 81-96 CE) threw a dinner party for Senators he disliked where he made his adolescent slaves paint themselves black to represent the Underworld in order to terrify his guests. What Romans intended by their artistic depictions of Africans is unclear, and remains a point of research and debate.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#152933
Condition Report: Repairs to left elbow, three fingers on left hand, right arm at shoulder, and left foot at ankle, with light resurfacing and minor adhesive residue along break lines. Loss to original right ankle and foot as shown. Abrasions and minor nicks to legs, body, fingers, and head, with light softening to some finer details, and light encrustations within some recessed areas. Wonderful patina throughout.
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Time, Location
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