Roman bowl depicting a venatio

ITEM: Bowl depicting a venatio
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 3rd - 4th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 160 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition, restored
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990

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 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

These bowls, made of fine, red-slipped pottery, were highly valued across the Roman Empire for their high-quality craftsmanship and intricate decorative motifs. A venatio (Latin for "hunt") was a popular form of entertainment in Roman amphitheaters, where wild animals such as lions, leopards, and boars were pitted against gladiators or hunters for public spectacle. The depiction of a venatio on North African pottery reflects the widespread fascination with these games and the artistic influence of the region, which was a major producer of decorative ceramics during the late Roman period (3rd–6th centuries CE).

The scenes on these bowls were typically molded or stamped, showcasing dynamic compositions of hunters, animals, and natural elements. In many examples, hunters are shown armed with spears or nets, engaging in combat with fierce beasts, while others display moments of triumph, with animals subdued or slain. The designs were often arranged in circular bands around the interior or exterior of the bowl, ensuring visibility when the vessel was in use. The level of detail in these depictions varied, with some bowls featuring highly stylized figures, while others showed more naturalistic representations, capturing the energy and movement of the hunt. These decorative elements not only served an aesthetic purpose but also reinforced the themes of Roman power, bravery, and control over nature.

Beyond their artistic value, North African bowls depicting venationes offer insights into Roman society and its cultural practices. They reflect the importance of spectacle and public entertainment in Roman life, as well as the economic connections between North Africa and the rest of the empire. The prominence of these motifs in African Red Slip ware suggests that they were popular among Roman consumers, possibly as souvenirs or status symbols associated with the grand spectacles of the arena. Many of these vessels have been found in domestic and funerary contexts, indicating that they held significance beyond mere functionality.