Works of Art
Hellenistico-Roman Bronze Handle
Period: 1st century B.C. - 1st century A.D.
Culture: Roman
Category: Array
Dimensions: Height:30.0cm; Length:37.3cm
Price: CHF 106000, USD 106000
Provenance: Swiss Art Market, acquired in 1992.
Condition: The handle is complete and in very good condition, with a uniform dark green patina.
Description
This superb bronze is impressive both in terms of its intricate decorative work and its large dimensions (ht.:30.0cm and W.:37.3cm !). It was most certainly part of a large bronze vessel, a krater.
The handle is composed of a large central element decorated with volutes and other vegetal and linear motifs. Fine silver and copper inlays ornate the flat part located between the volutes. Two long and sinuous stems decorated with leaves and flowers emerge from the lower part of the central element, and used to connect the handle to the body of the krater. The work is quite fine and expresses well the high level of craftmanship required to realise such an objet.