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| Two terracotta gladiators |  |
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The two gladiators are shown as if in combat both on integral rectangular plinths and covered in white slip. One is shown with his weight on his left leg, his right leg extended behind him in an almost straight line. A short sword or dagger is clutched in his right hand which is held out to one side whilst in his left he holds a tall curved rectangular shield with a central cruciform boss, raised to protect his head. Strands of hair, punched to suggest curls, fall over his shoulders, and his eye is drawn in black paint. The other figure wears a padded tunic and a short pair of drawers, his right leg bent and right arm upraised with a short sword or dagger in his left hand. A separately made crested helmet with pierced visor protects either of the heads.
These come with thermoluminescence reports from Oxford Authentication confirming a date of last firing between 1400-2200 years ago, consistent with the suggested period of manufacture. Roman. 1st-3rd century AD Cf. Eckart Kehne and Cornelia Ewigleben, editors, 'Gladiators and Caesars, The Power of Spectacle in Ancient Rome' Berkeley, California, 2000. Published to accompany an exhibition held at the British Museum, London, from 21 October 2000 to 23 January 2001, pp. 45-46, 'The visored helmet was a distinctive item of gladiatorial equipment in the imperial period. It gave the professional fighter a threateningly anonymous appearance...The visored helmet in one form or another was worn by all categories of gladiators, with the sole exception of the retiarus, who was an innovation of the first century AD and fought bareheaded.' |
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Rupert Wace Ancient Art
14 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PP - Email: info@rupertwace.co.uk |
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