Roman Metalwork: Bronze vessel foot
Inv. No.: 80.009
Provenance: Roman
Date: 1st century AD
Height: 58mm
Width: 32mm
This decorative foot takes the form of the head and torso of an elderly satyr or "Papposilenus" (father Silenus), set on a clawed animal leg. The large bald head of the Silenus, an associate of Dionysus or Bacchus, has characteristic features: a high, domed top, large round eyes (very indistinct), a large, flattened nose, a wide mouth and drooping animal ears. Overall, he has a sullen expression. The lower part of his face is fringed by a beard, indicated by short grooves. With no neck visible, the head seems to join directly onto the torso. The latter is thrust aggressively forwards, forming a rounded belly with a prominent umbilicus that is displaced slightly from the centre, onto his left side. The arms of the Silenus are held akimbo. Grooves indicate fingers on the left hand while the right hand has no detail. At the level where his hands are placed on his hips, a moulded convex ridge, framed by grooves, separates the Silenus from the animal foot base. The top of this large animal foot juts forwards at the front forming a flattened triangular shape below the ridge. The foot passes backwards and then forwards, ending in four large, roughly formed claws with rounded sheaths. These are placed symmetrically around the top of a circular disc with a grooved outer edge that forms the base. While the animal leg is three dimensional, the torso and head of the Silenus are only modelled at the front. The arms are three-dimensional, but slightly flattened at the back. The back of the head is hollowed out so that the foot could be attached to the angular corner of the base of a vessel or tripod, probably using solder. The piece is in very good condition with a very dark, shiny patina.
Function:
A decorative support for a vessel in the form of a mythical hybrid creature whose attitude suggests the effort involved in supporting a great weight.
Manufacture:
Solid cast, probably using the lost-wax method.
Bibliography:
Antiquities, Charles Ede catalogue, 117 (1980), No. 33.
Comparanda:
Stefanelli, L. P. B., Il Bronzo dei Romani: Arredo e Suppellettile, Roma, "Lrma" di Bretschneider, 1990, No. 237 (similar feet on the corners of the square base of a bronze calyx crater).