ITEM: Foot of panther
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 10 mm x 11 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired before 1980

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

In Roman art and culture, the panther held significant symbolic value, often associated with the god Bacchus (Dionysus in Greek mythology), the deity of wine, revelry, and ecstasy. The panther was frequently depicted as part of Bacchus’s entourage, symbolizing the untamed and wild aspects of nature that were integral to his cult. Panthers were seen as mystical and powerful creatures, embodying the allure of nature and the unpredictable, intoxicating effects of wine. In Roman iconography, they often appear alongside Bacchus in scenes of festive celebration, reflecting the blending of vitality, passion, and freedom.

Roman depictions of panthers can be found in a variety of artistic media, from mosaics and frescoes to sculpture and metalwork. In these representations, the panther is often shown in dynamic, graceful poses, emphasizing its beauty and agility. The animal’s association with Bacchus extended to its use in Bacchic processions and festivals, where panther skins were worn or used as decoration, further highlighting the panther's role as a symbol of Bacchic power and vitality. Roman villas and public spaces were sometimes adorned with panther motifs, particularly in spaces meant for dining and entertainment, tying the creature to ideas of luxury and sensual pleasure.

Beyond its role in the Bacchic cult, the panther in Roman society also held broader connotations of power, exoticism, and imperial wealth. Panthers, along with other exotic animals, were sometimes showcased in gladiatorial games and public spectacles, symbolizing the reach of the Roman Empire and its ability to bring the wildest parts of the world under control. These performances reinforced the image of the emperor and Rome itself as rulers of both the civilized and natural worlds. Thus, the panther in Roman art and culture became a complex symbol, representing both the wild, untamed forces of nature and the luxury, power, and domination of the Roman Empire.