Roman Bronze Silenus Casket Fitting

Object Description

A fine Roman casket fitting of Silenus cast from bronze. The deity is depicted slightly hunched over with his hands on his hips. He is wearing a hind skirt held up with rope which leads to a lion’s foot below. The man displays a bald head with a thick, wispy beard and a pot-belly, all qualities of Silenus. The piece is mounted on a custom-made stand.

Date: Circa 1st century BC-1st century AD

Object History

From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Object Condition

Very fine condition, minor chip to left elbow. Measurements of the fitting without the stand; 6.1cm height, 3.3cm

Object Details