Object Description
An extremely fine Ancient Roman red slipware amphoriskos from North Africa. The globular body sits on a slightly flared flanged base. The slender neck tapers slightly towards the gently everted rim. Three incised bands adorn the point just above where the handles meet the neck. The handles are decorated with twin palm fronds, and extend in a curve down towards the shoulders of the vessel. The smooth surface of the body is enriched with applied decoration. On one side Jupiter, the god of the sky and thunder, sits enthroned and holding a bident, while on the other a gladiator is embroiled in battle with a leopard. This is a dynamic vignette, with the leopard thrown over the gladiator’s shoulder and its mouth agape as it struggles against the warrior’s strong grasp. Both scenes are framed by Corinthian columns on either side.
Date: Circa 1st – 3rd Century AD