Roman Bronze Lid with a Sitting Dog Statuette

Object Description

A fine ancient Roman dog statuette cast from bronze. The animal is depicted sitting on its rump, its right paw is lifted, as if offering it to someone. The anatomical features have been naturalistically rendered including the small ears, round eyes and long snout. The dog wears a collar, potentially indicating its status as a valued pet. The animal sits on a round base with loop at the back, suggesting that the item was possibly a balsamarium or other high-status vessel lid.

Dimensions of the statuette without the stand: H 4cm x W 4cm

Date: 1st-4th century A.D.

Object History

‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

Object Condition

Very fine. Mounted on a custom-made stand.

Object Details