Details

LOT 0691

Roman Bronze Vessel with Boats

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

1 3/4 in. (166 grams, 43 mm high).

Squat jar with concentric rings to the base, flared rim to the mouth three high-relief galley images to the shoulder.

Provenance

Ex German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Literature

Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 298, for similar artefact although of higher dimensions.

Footnotes

The vase evokes a scene of maritime or river trade, usually linked to navigation on the Rhine or on the great rivers of Roman Gaul. In particular, the shape of the ship and the three people only half visible on its deck closely resemble the famous relief of the wine merchants of Neumagen-Dhron. The small jar was probably for domestic toilette use.