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Description

Roman Aco beaker with "Dance of Death". Early Roman Imperial period, late 1st century BC - early 1st century AD. H 8.8cm, ø mouth 7.75cm. Molded red-brown terracotta. The steep-walled, slightly convex beaker depicts a circle of eight skeletons on the outside, separated by stylized thyrsoi. As attributes, they hold various tools and perhaps musical instruments and toiletries in their hands, some of which appear to be talking to each other. Very interesting piece! Comparative literature enclosed! Cf. the famous Modioli from the silver treasure of Boscoreale with very similar motifs, which are now in the Musée du Louvre in Paris. These cups show famous Greek poets and philosophers as skeletons and comment on the goings-on with Epicurean wisdom such as Enjoy life, tomorrow is uncertain! and Life is like theater! or Be happy as long as you live! . see for example L. Stefanelli et al, L'argento dei Romano - Vasellame da tavola e d'apparato (1991) pp. 46-47 fig. 30-31; p. 70 fig. 48 and pp. 262-263 nos. 46-47. In contrast to the danse macabre that appeared from the 14th century onwards, the Roman paintings do not so much invoke the power of death, but on the contrary call for a life-affirming way of life dedicated to enjoyment. Small chips to the lip, otherwise intact. Provenance: From the estate of H. R., Upper Swabia, at least since before 1992.

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Roman Aco beaker with "Dance of Death". Early Roman Imperial period, late 1st century BC - early 1st century AD. H 8.8cm, ø mouth 7.75cm. Molded red-brown terracotta. The steep-walled, slightly convex beaker depicts a circle of eight skeletons on the outside, separated by stylized thyrsoi. As attributes, they hold various tools and perhaps musical instruments and toiletries in their hands, some of which appear to be talking to each other. Very interesting piece! Comparative literature enclosed! Cf. the famous Modioli from the silver treasure of Boscoreale with very similar motifs, which are now in the Musée du Louvre in Paris. These cups show famous Greek poets and philosophers as skeletons and comment on the goings-on with Epicurean wisdom such as Enjoy life, tomorrow is uncertain! and Life is like theater! or Be happy as long as you live! . see for example L. Stefanelli et al, L'argento dei Romano - Vasellame da tavola e d'apparato (1991) pp. 46-47 fig. 30-31; p. 70 fig. 48 and pp. 262-263 nos. 46-47. In contrast to the danse macabre that appeared from the 14th century onwards, the Roman paintings do not so much invoke the power of death, but on the contrary call for a life-affirming way of life dedicated to enjoyment. Small chips to the lip, otherwise intact. Provenance: From the estate of H. R., Upper Swabia, at least since before 1992.

Estimate 2 000 - 2 500 EUR
Starting price 2 000 EUR

* Not including buyer’s premium.
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Sale fees: 28 %
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For sale on Tuesday 16 Jul : 14:00 (CEST)
munich, Germany
Gorny & Mosch
+4989.242.264.30
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