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HOME :
Classical Antiquities :
Classical Masterpieces : Sculpture of a Lar with Inlaid Silver Eyes
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Sculpture of a Lar with Inlaid Silver Eyes - FZ.358
Origin: Mediterranean
Circa: 1
st
Century AD
to 2
nd
Century AD
Dimensions:
6.25" (15.9cm) high
Catalogue: V29
Collection: Classical
Style: Roman
Medium: Bronze
£136,000.00
Location: UAE
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| Description |
In the presence of the greatest artistic depictions
of the human form, we are left not only awe-
struck and inspired, but also slightly
embarrassed. The presence is so undeniably real,
so irrevocably permanent, we of mortal flesh are
made to feel as though we are imperfect and
decaying imitations of the austere and silent
forms that we run our hands and eyes across.
Such a piece is this- for has ever any cloth
billowed with as much richness, moved with such
taught and intricate line as the supple folds of
this toga suggest? Has the soil ever felt such
tight and bold leather as the lustrous lines of
these bronze sandals traces? Has a face so
sublimely aristocratic- with cheeks that plane
down so softly, with eyes so imploringly
intelligent, with a brow so firm, ever cracked
supple metal lips to utter a word? The genius
who forged this masterpiece had a vision
beyond sight. He did not capture what was
human, but rather expressed a potential that the
human form has yet to witness in actuality. The
beauty of this Lar is truly worthy of its divinity. It
is a timeless masterpiece that is more expressive
and moving than pieces many times its size.
While we may not offer it sacrifice, or expect its
protection over our home, we undoubtedly bask
in its beauty with just as much gratefulness and
wonder as its original owners must have.
This statue represents the spiritual guardian of
an Ancient Roman household. Most striking
about this figure is his silver inlaid eyes. He
appears to gaze back at us through the solid
bronze. His wavy hair is held in place by a
headband. However, his curls fall out over his
forehead and cover his ears. He wears a long-
sleeved tunic that is elegantly wrapped around
his waist and over his shoulder. The folds of the
tunic flap in the breeze while the excess fabric
falls in a zigzag pattern between his legs. He
wears high sandals with animal skin flaps. This
statue was a protector of families and the
structure they inhabited. It warded off ill omens
and evil spirits much like a horseshoe does
today. Throughout time, the motivations of man
do not change, just the forms of their
superstition.
- (FZ.358)
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