A Roman Bronze Beaked Oinochoe

Circa 1st Century B.C.-1st Century A.D.

Height 9 inches (22.86 cm).

Property from a Private Collection, Chicago, Illinois

Provenance:

Galerie Nefer, Zurich, where acquired by the present owner, 18 March 1985.

This bronze oinochoe is a tasteful blend of form and mythology made to captivate both the server and the sipper. The vessel’s elegant ovoid body and elongated neck lead to a pinched spout set on a flat foot. It includes a depiction of Omphale dressed in Hercules' lion skin, a powerful emblem of role reversal and cultural allure that resonated with the Roman elite. Adorned with inlaid silver eyes and a griffin-topped handle, the design enhances the visual and sensory pleasure of the wine it pours, making each serving a toast to Roman culture.

Inspected under UV light and 10x loupe. Heavy oxidation with varying patina typical of age. Various encrustations and deposits. Overall in fine and stable condition. See additional images.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Jacob Coley

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Antiquities and Ancient Art

[email protected]312 280 1212

Mr. Coley joined the Antiquities department in 2021 after working as Managing Director in the Ancient Art department at Colnaghi, the world’s oldest commercial art gallery, where he helped to establish the Ancient Art department and launched Colnaghi New York in 2017. Prior to Colnaghi, Mr. Coley was in the Greek and Roman Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Coley holds a B.A. from the University of Miami and an M.A. in Art Market from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and he earned an art-appraisal certificate from New York University.

Antiquities and Ancient Art

A Roman Bronze Beaked Oinochoe

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup