The balsamarium in the shape of the bust
of
Antinous
has strong
features, a deep brow, eyes inset, a
stern
nose and mouth. His hair somewhat long
and gathered in thick waves falling
across
his forehead and down his neck. Around
the
neck, a simple but elegant torque. The
bust
covered with a tunic which falls on his
left
shoulder across his chest, secured with
a
long knotted strap.
This balsamarium, a richly detailed
vessel for
transporting oils and cosmetics to the
baths,
is a fully realised example of the Roman
period. The artist of this work has
included
minute details and also has injected an
emotional component into his rendition
of
the subject. It is as much a portrait as
it is
an everyday vessel, and today, a rich
green
patina adds depth to the work and
enhances
the smallest of details.
Balsamaria are a fascinating type of
vessel,
originating in Classical Greece and
remaining
a fertile vessel for innovation through
the
Hellenistic and Roman times. Some
balsamaria were simple footed vessels, a
modest receptacle in which to transport
bath
oils. Some were small but intricate,
portraits
of curious people or odd animals. In
Alexandria in particular, the
Hellenistic and
Graeco-Roman bronzesmiths crafted
vessels
of striking realism as they sought to
portray
dwarves, Nubians, and other 'exotic'
people.
In the later years of the Roman Empire,
the
Gallic craftsmen created astonishingly
detailed balsamaria using bronze, paste
glass
and fine millefiori enamel.
This balsamarium belongs to the finest
sculptural tradition. It pursues an
aesthetic
path of naturalism, while not eschewing
the idealism befitting an image as
princely as
this one.
Similar examples are indeed rare. One
comes from the Museum of Fine Arts in
Boston, which shows a similar treatment
of
the eyes and nose, although it is less
legible
than ours.
For further references see: Comstock, M.
and C. Vermeule, Greek Etruscan & Roman
Bronzes in the Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston,
1971; Los Bronces Romanos en Espana,
Palacio de Velazques, Madrid, 1990;
Jones,
F. "A Bronze Head-Vase" Record of the
Princeton University Art Museum, Vol
46.2,
1987: pp.17-23; Marti, V. "De l'usage
des
"balsamaires" anthropomorphes en bronze"
MEFRA tome 108, 1996.2: pp.979-1000;
Menzel H. Die Romischen Bronzen aus
Detschland, III, Bonn, Mayence, 1968.
