Roman statuette base

ITEM: Statuette base
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 26 mm x 36 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, Ex English 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.

A Roman bronze statuette base is an important element of ancient Roman sculpture, serving both as a functional support for the statuette and as an integral part of the artwork itself. These bases were typically made of bronze, though some were made from other materials such as marble or stone. The base provided stability for the statuette, ensuring it stood upright and remained secure in its placement. Roman statuettes, whether depicting gods, emperors, or mythological figures, often required strong and durable bases, especially when made from materials like bronze, which could be heavier than other sculptural mediums. The bases were sometimes designed with intricate detailing or inscriptions, adding a layer of artistic or commemorative value to the overall piece.

The design of the base varied depending on the purpose and the type of statuette it supported. Many Roman bronze statuettes were intended for display in public or private spaces, and their bases were often designed with attention to aesthetics, complementing the figure above. The base could be a simple, smooth platform or a more elaborate structure featuring relief carvings, decorative motifs, or symbolic images. In some cases, bases were inscribed with the names or titles of the individuals depicted in the statuette, offering a way to identify the subject. These inscriptions might include dedications, honors, or even references to political or religious events, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural context of the time.

Roman bronze statuette bases also played a role in the expression of power and status. For instance, when supporting portraits of emperors or public figures, the base often reinforced the political message conveyed by the sculpture itself. Bases featuring inscriptions or imagery could be used to commemorate military victories, significant public works, or religious ceremonies, further elevating the status of the individual depicted. Additionally, bases could be symbolic of the divine or heroic nature of the figures they supported, such as those representing gods, heroes, or ancestors, and their sculptural elements often emphasized these associations.