Description
This bronze banqueter figurine was one of six once adorning the rim of a large basin, now lost. Cast in molds with individualized details, most have grooves on their underside to attach to the basin. Minute traces of gilding remain on areas of clothing and skin (mostly visible only under magnification), suggesting that they may have been completely gilded. Two handles in the form of hippocampi, horses with serpentine tails, also belonged to the basin and are now displayed at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. The basin may have been used to hold liquid for a banquet, or was perhaps funerary.
This banqueter tilts his head toward his left hand, which may have once held an object, now lost. His right arm rests on his hip. Unlike the other banqueters, this figurine does not have exposed feet and his body curves slightly when viewed from above. This suggests that this figurine may have been made for a different initial use before being added to this set.
This banqueter tilts his head toward his left hand, which may have once held an object, now lost. His right arm rests on his hip. Unlike the other banqueters, this figurine does not have exposed feet and his body curves slightly when viewed from above. This suggests that this figurine may have been made for a different initial use before being added to this set.
Provenance
Collection of the Marchese di Riofreddo e Gagliardi (?-1908); William R. Hearst, sold to Brummer Gallery (?-1943); Brummer Gallery, New York, NY, sold to H.K. Montif (1943-1949); H.K. Montif (1949-?); Ella Bache Brummer Collection, New York, NY, gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?-1987); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1987-)
Accession Number
1988.155
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
Overall: 5.2 cm (2 1/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Ernest Brummer