Although it is unquestionably erotic, this heavy bronze phallus probably served a ritual function. In the classical world, cults of male fertility gods like the Syrian  More »

Although it is unquestionably erotic, this heavy bronze phallus probably served a ritual function. In the classical world, cults of male fertility gods like the Syrian Elagabulus were an accepted part of daily life. The phallus was also seen as a good luck charm, thought to avert the evil eye. There is something powerfully symbolic about this object. Taken out of the context of mere anatomy, it appears forceful, primal, older than time itself. - (FZ.146)   « Less

This superbly detailed sculpture perhaps adorned a piece of Roman furniture. It shows Herakles--favorite hero of the classical world--wearing the Nemean lion skin and  More »

This superbly detailed sculpture perhaps adorned a piece of Roman furniture. It shows Herakles--favorite hero of the classical world--wearing the Nemean lion skin and clutching the golden apple of the Hesperides. These objects represent the first and last of his twelve labors, which in antiquity were metaphors of the struggles of life. In its depiction of a man at rest after heroic effort, it is a work of art full of quiet contemplation and a melancholy dignity which we can still appreciate after all these centuries. - (FZ.174)   « Less

This delightful little bust of the bearded and regal sea god may have served as a scale weight in pagan Alexandria. How appropriate that a city whose fortunes depended on its  More »

This delightful little bust of the bearded and regal sea god may have served as a scale weight in pagan Alexandria. How appropriate that a city whose fortunes depended on its port should weigh and measure its goods with the image of an ocean deity. Though its beauty was perhaps unnoticed by the merchants who used it everyday, we now have the time to admire it in the full bloom of its beauty. - (FZ.176)   « Less

This exquisite draped statuette perhaps represents a Roman Empress in the guise of a Syrian priestess. Her tall, conical hat no doubt carries a ritual significance. The  More »

This exquisite draped statuette perhaps represents a Roman Empress in the guise of a Syrian priestess. Her tall, conical hat no doubt carries a ritual significance. The Severan dynasty, with its Syrian connections, encouraged the worship of the sun god Elagabalus. This may provide a clue to the statue's origins. Though this small figure has always carried herself with erect dignity, time has lent her an even greater grandeur. - (FZ.177)   « Less

At the height of the Roman Empire, this splendid bronze sculpture was hung by its ring from a steelyard weight. The serene, idealized beauty of the woman suggests her divine  More »

At the height of the Roman Empire, this splendid bronze sculpture was hung by its ring from a steelyard weight. The serene, idealized beauty of the woman suggests her divine status. As the weight was probably used to measure crops such as olives or fruit, she may represent Demeter, goddess of agriculture, or perhaps Fortuna, patron of commerce and luck. Though this is a functional object, it is also beautiful. It reminds us that in the classical world, even the practical tools of daily life were treated as works of art. - (FZ.216)   « Less

In the classical world, the hero Hercules (called Herakles by the Greeks) was one of the most popular of all mythical figures. Tales of his adventures and exploits were  More »

In the classical world, the hero Hercules (called Herakles by the Greeks) was one of the most popular of all mythical figures. Tales of his adventures and exploits were favorite themes for artists and storytellers alike. This magnificent statuette, offered as a votive, depicts Hercules in his most characteristic pose. He is shown as a man of robust health holding his club in one hand and a drinking cup in the other. Hercules is draped in the skin of the Nemean lion, the first of his famous twelve labors. The cult of Hercules was especially popular in the late Roman Empire, when the god became associated with the person of the emperor as a metaphor for strength and order. Though not large, this splendid work radiates the power of sculpture on a much grander scale. Heracles, the ultimate symbol of virility, of strength, of masculine dedication stands here in grand repose. His weight is hefted over his club, and across his back is stretched the pelt of the Nemean lion. His jaw is set in calm and firm repose, framed beneath the gaping mouth of the lion. The man who held the sky upon his shoulders, and wrestled the greatest beasts the human imagination has ever conceived of is a glorious image to behold in this masterpiece of sculpture. The artist meticulously crafted every muscle, and every tendon of his small body to create an imposingly glorious form on such a small piece of metal. Throughout history, the worship of strength, the virtue of athleticism, has played an enormous role in the shaping of societies. As we pack ourselves into stadiums and huddle around our television screens, we are paying homage to the rippling bronze form portrayed in this piece. To see, in such clean line and pure form the expression of physical beauty fills the heart with wonder and awe. This Hercules is an incomparable treasure to one who feels the admiration of the artist, and the common joy of physical expression, transmuted across two thousand years through this piece. - (FZ.280)   « Less

With hands in front of him in a highly expressive posture, this Roman bronze priest has been captured by the sculptor in a most animated and natural pose. Having brought the  More »

With hands in front of him in a highly expressive posture, this Roman bronze priest has been captured by the sculptor in a most animated and natural pose. Having brought the art of metalwork to elevated levels of craftsmanship and creative artistry, Roman artisans succeeded in casting a variety of forms in bronze, their distribution reaching to the far boundaries of the empire. These small bronzes served a number of functions in ancient times, including their usage as votive offerings in temples, or as decorative works of art placed in the home. This exalted bronze priest, bedecked in his highly detailed attire, with large gesturing hands and wide-eyed face may have served any number of purposes in antiquity, his magnetism and spirited energy clearly evident. Whatever the bronze priests original function, we are captivated by him today and experience him as an elegant work of art and as a tangible link with that most glorious of ancient empires. - (FZ.281)   « Less

Attribute of the ancient Phrygian earth goddess Cybele, as well as biblical Martha, sister of Mary Magdalene and patroness of housewives, the key is an ancient and powerful  More »

Attribute of the ancient Phrygian earth goddess Cybele, as well as biblical Martha, sister of Mary Magdalene and patroness of housewives, the key is an ancient and powerful symbol. Not only does it function, as this Roman example did, as an actual locking mechanism, the key also performs on a higher, more spiritual level, serving as a symbol for the powerful motion and ability to unlock. The Keys of Heaven were delivered by Christ to the apostle Peter, keys that would symbolically unlock heaven. Cybele, the earth goddess, holds in her hand the keys that unlock the eternal fruits of the earth. A truly spirited and positive object, this Roman key unlocks for us the wonder and excitement of the ancient Roman Empire, in all its glory and mystery. - (FZ.285)   « Less

Rendered with vivid naturalism in a medium that befits the animal portrayed, this lion roundel is an exquisite example of ancient roman metalwork. With a wide-open mouth, the  More »

Rendered with vivid naturalism in a medium that befits the animal portrayed, this lion roundel is an exquisite example of ancient roman metalwork. With a wide-open mouth, the lion holds between large fangs a bronze ring, elegantly ornamented with incised lines. This linear pattern echoes the decorative striations that form the dramatic mane and whiskers of the lion. As we gaze at the feline eyes we can almost imagine this powerful beast bursting forth from the roundel with astonishing strength and graceful beauty. How captivating is the image and how timeless in its ability to arouse our senses. As we enjoy this beautiful work of art we can see and appreciate the ancient roman metalworkers accomplished talents in manipulating the highly responsive medium of bronze. - (FZ.298)   « Less

Rendered with vivid naturalism in a medium that befits the animal portrayed, this lion roundel is an exquisite example of ancient roman metalwork. With a wide-open mouth, the  More »

Rendered with vivid naturalism in a medium that befits the animal portrayed, this lion roundel is an exquisite example of ancient roman metalwork. With a wide-open mouth, the lion holds between large fangs a bronze ring, elegantly ornamented with incised lines. This linear pattern echoes the decorative striations that form the dramatic mane and whiskers of the lion. As we gaze at the feline eyes, we can almost imagine this powerful beast bursting forth from the roundel with astonishing strength and graceful beauty. How captivating is the image and how timeless in its ability to arouse our senses. As we enjoy this beautiful work of art we can see and appreciate the ancient Roman metalworkers accomplished talents in manipulating the highly responsive medium of bronze. - (FZ.299)   « Less