Details

LOT 0971

Roman Bronze Cavalry Greave

(Bronze, 155 grams, 19 cm including stand.).

Circa 2nd-3rd century AD. A fragment from a sheet bronze horseman's leg-armour with repoussé design in the form of a standing figure of Mars wearing greaves, plumed helmet, cuirass with pteruges, holding a round shield with his left hand and gripping his spearshaft with his right; at his left hip a gladius suspended on a baldric over his right shoulder; supplied with custom-made display stand.

Provenance

UK art market, acquired prior to 1985.

Literature

Cf. figural greave from the Guttmann collection of ancient Arms and Armour, published in Christie's catalogue, part 2, April 2004.

Footnotes

The style of armour depicted is probably Samnite with 'winged' extensions to the sides of the helmet.

CONDITION