With elegant shape and boldly incised decoration, this vessel makes a strong impression. It is possible to see the hand of the artist at work, rapidly running a strigil over  More »

With elegant shape and boldly incised decoration, this vessel makes a strong impression. It is possible to see the hand of the artist at work, rapidly running a strigil over the surface of the still-wet clay. It is remarkable to think that when this vessel was new, Byzantium was in its Golden Age. As we delight in its lovely contours, we share our pleasure and appreciation with those who lived in that vanished world. - (PF.2279)   « Less

This Byzantine vessel most likely contained perfume or oils for an important lady. The balanced symmetry and creative rendering of this stylized vessel make it a remarkable  More »

This Byzantine vessel most likely contained perfume or oils for an important lady. The balanced symmetry and creative rendering of this stylized vessel make it a remarkable piece that can be appreciated by any fine woman. - (PF.2822)   « Less

This magnificent sculpture, one of a pair, seems to capture more than the proud, snarling features of the king of beasts: it stands as a metaphor for the glory of Rome at her  More »

This magnificent sculpture, one of a pair, seems to capture more than the proud, snarling features of the king of beasts: it stands as a metaphor for the glory of Rome at her height, an eternal symbol of strength and power which still has meaning today. Ancient historians write about lion heads on Imperial thrones that actually appeared to roar; perhaps that was the purpose of the hollow cylinders and open mouths of this fierce pair. Even without uttering a sound, they make their regal presence felt. - (Z.0057)   « Less

This magnificent sculpture, one of a pair, seems to capture more than the proud, snarling features of the king of beasts: it stands as a metaphor for the glory of Rome at her  More »

This magnificent sculpture, one of a pair, seems to capture more than the proud, snarling features of the king of beasts: it stands as a metaphor for the glory of Rome at her height, an eternal symbol of strength and power which still has meaning today. Ancient historians write about lion heads on Imperial thrones that actually appeared to roar; perhaps that was the purpose of the hollow cylinders and open mouths of this fierce pair. Even without uttering a sound, they make their regal presence felt. - (Z.0058)   « Less

Jupiter, king of the gods, stands before us in majestic splendor. At one time he leaned on a staff, and in his missing hand he most probably carried a thunderbolt, symbol of  More »

Jupiter, king of the gods, stands before us in majestic splendor. At one time he leaned on a staff, and in his missing hand he most probably carried a thunderbolt, symbol of his power. A work of this enormous vigor and regal beauty almost certainly imitates a larger statue, perhaps a cult image at some famous temple site. The relatively small size of the god in no way diminishes his aura of divinity. - (Z.0079)   « Less

The costly beauty of this vessel suggests that its vanished contents were rare and precious as well. At the height of the Roman Empire, it very likely held perfumes or oils  More »

The costly beauty of this vessel suggests that its vanished contents were rare and precious as well. At the height of the Roman Empire, it very likely held perfumes or oils brought from exotic lands. On its graceful chain, it might have hung in the scented chamber of a noble lady. Perhaps it was left as an offering in a temple or shrine, a lover's gift to win the favor of Venus or Astarte. Its elegance makes a timeless appeal to the senses. When we lift the stopper, as other hands did long ago, we can almost smell the fragrance of ancient flowers. - (Z.0415)   « Less

Although this sculpture of Jupiter is diminutive in scale, it contains a captivating presence equal to the great statue of the god himself. Naked except for a robe draped  More »

Although this sculpture of Jupiter is diminutive in scale, it contains a captivating presence equal to the great statue of the god himself. Naked except for a robe draped over his shoulder, he stands calm and confident, crowned with a wreath and holding his thunderbolt in his right hand. Although this is the traditional representation of the god, Jupiter was by nature a shape shifter. He is perhaps best remembered for his numerous extramarital exploits committed in a variety of guises detailed in Ovid’s Metamorphoses and in many other popular myths. In fact, it is through these affairs that he fathered several of the other gods and goddesses who make up the rest of the Greek and Roman pantheon. This stunning statue was most likely worshipped by an individual wealthy enough to commission or own such a sacred and prized possession. Given its small stature, it is possible that this statue served a pious merchant or in his travels. Perhaps it stood by the side of a might Roman general as he conquered new lands on a foreign campaign. Just as likely, this sculpture might have been placed in a small altar and worshiped in the private confines of the home alongside the household gods. Artistically, the beauty and detail of this sculpture reveals the skill and mastery of Ancient Roman sculptors. Although his kingdom has vanished and his followers have disappeared, when gazing upon this sculpture of Jupiter, we are still in the presence of divinity. God, after all, has been known to take on many guises, like Jupiter, and this is but one of them. - (PF.6756)   « Less

Swift footed, Mercury (known to the Greeks as Hermes) was the divine herald of the gods as well as the patron deity of travelers and merchants. The identity of this deity  More »

Swift footed, Mercury (known to the Greeks as Hermes) was the divine herald of the gods as well as the patron deity of travelers and merchants. The identity of this deity identifiable by one of his most notable attributes: the petasus, a wide brimmed hat characteristic of travelers; here, it is winged, indicating Mercury’s swiftness and symbolizing his wisdom. Here, he stands naked in a contraposto stance, holding his left hand outward as if once carrying something. Perhaps he originally leaned against a caduceus, or herald’s staff, another major attribute of Mercury, that would have been carved out of wood and has long since rotted away. In his other hand, he appears to hold a money sack, conveying his role as the patron deity of merchants. This diminutive scale of this work belies the detailed artistry. His facial features, although worn, are evident, as are individual locks of hair falling out of his winged petasus. No doubt this gorgeous work of art was revered in its own time. Perhaps a successful businessman carried it with him on his voyages in order to gain the favor of the god. Today, while the great pantheon of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses has faded into the realm of myth, this sculpture still stands as a stunning work of timeless beauty. Maybe this sculpture will conjure up the spirit of Mercury, who might bless its owner with successful business dealings and safe travel? - (FZ.408a)   « Less

Originally, this bronze sculpture would have been attached to a piece of furniture. What a fantastic ornament to decorate the arms of your favorite drinking chair. Regardless  More »

Originally, this bronze sculpture would have been attached to a piece of furniture. What a fantastic ornament to decorate the arms of your favorite drinking chair. Regardless of the function, it was clearly associated with the joys of the Bacchanals. Perhaps, this was an emblem for one the numerous cults of Bacchus. The divine creator of alcohol appears to have sampled a bit too much of his work. He stares blankly, as if gazing at the space in between us, not at us. However, even in his inebriation, he maintains his composure. He wears a crown of leaves and two bunches of grapes protrude from his head like small horns. The back half of the head is truncated. Nails probably would have been driven into the two small holes along the edge, securing the decoration into place. The desire to alter our reality is as old as civilization itself. Bacchus is an ancient spokesman advertising his goods. He tells us to relax, recline, and enjoy the nectar of the gods. Who would not proudly boast this endorsement on some piece of furniture for all to see? - (FZ.359)   « Less

The Classical world offered inspiration and advancement to every fact of civilization imaginable. But what are their artists, their sculptors, their poets, their soldiers,  More »

The Classical world offered inspiration and advancement to every fact of civilization imaginable. But what are their artists, their sculptors, their poets, their soldiers, and their kings when compared to their philosophers? Anywhere and any time one turns to in history they find the quiet struggle for artistic beauty and the louder clash of sword and shield. One may occasionally, though rarely, encounter the cacophony of grinding metal and hissing gas that accompanies the pursuit of mechanical and scientific endeavor. Almost never does one hear the true and pure silence of thought, the most delicate word of debate. Our Classical ancestors are so striking, in part, because they wrestled with the massive and intricate concepts that human beings have structured their entire societies and existences around. They dissected and then rebuilt the very framework of our world. From their lips and their pens sprang the university and the temple, the voting tablet, and the diadem. They fit the most dazzling marble sculptures and highest mountain peaks into the palm of their hand.   « Less