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| image credit: princeton university art museum (PD) |
Somehow this Roman terracotta downspout managed to make it through two millennia relatively unscathed. What strong and beautiful modelling. While Roman sculpture was in general stylistically based on that of the Greeks, Romans were more willing to create individualized portraits rich in character. I'm not saying this was anyone's particular dog, though if it was they were lucky to have him. What I do see is that the sculptor has gone to some trouble to create lavish if stylized fluff on chest, cheek and ears (those scratchable ears!), and a face all attention and doggy thought. If he trotted by now, you'd know him.
P.S.: You might like to read this
interesting page on animals in ancient Rome.
Princeton University Art Museum info: Roman. Waterspout in the form of a hound, early 1st century A.D. Terracotta. h. 44.5 cm., l. 63.0 cm., w. 48.0 cm. (17 1/2 x 24 13/16 x 18 7/8 in.)
Museum purchase, gift of John B. Elliott, Class of 1951. y1989-51
1 comment:
Thanks for the link to the article. Lots of things there I found fascinating.
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