Originally, this decorative ornament would have
adorned a luxurious piece of furniture or perhaps
a chariot. The work depicts the bust of a
handsome young man rising out of a circular
base with a scalloped border. A semicircular
handle attached to the back would have been
used to attach ropes or other such supports. It is
possible that this bust might be a depiction of
Antinuous, the tragic lover of Emperor Hadrian.
Surely the idealized beauty of this figure would
be fitting the legendary looks of Antinuous,
looks that captured the heart of the most
powerful man in the world. It is difficult to
imagine how sumptuous the item this ornament
once adorned must have been, be it a chariot or
a chair. Surely the workmanship and materials
would have rivaled this bronze. If it was attached
to a piece of furniture, we can assume that the
chair or couch would have been covered in the
finest fabrics and likely studded with precious
jewels and gems. Surely, such an extravagant
ornament would have been reserved for the
wealthy elite. This ornament gives us a
tantalizing taste of the opulence of the Ancient
Roman Empire.
- (PF.5479)
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