Lot 2805
A Superb Balsamarium or Cosmetic Pot in Bronze, in the form of a Comedic Mask. Greco-Roman, 1st century BC - 1st century AD. The small vessel, roughly globular, is modeled in the round as the mask of a cunning and manipulative slave, a character made popular in the bawdy Athenian "New Comedies." The face very expressive, with glaring eyes, furrowed brows, short nose and wide gaping mouth. The mask's wig full and rounded, the hair depicted as tightly matted. Twined around the head a sinuous wreath of grapes and vines. The rim of the vessel with "dog tooth" edging, slightly turned out. There is a very small projecting foot at the bottom. This along with the two ribbons from the wreath form a shallow tripod base to the pot. Balsumarium choicely preserved, with very pleasing deep green and black patina. Something different -- a bronze with an attitude and a look!
Estimated Value $1,850-UP.
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| Realized $1,725 |
