A Statuette of a Captive Barbarian Lot n° 35

Roman 1st-2nd cent. A.D.. Bronze. H. 8.7 cm. L. 5.5 cm The barbarian sits cross-legged on a rock with his hands bound behind his back. Not only his bonds but also the Phrygian cap indicate that he is a barbarian from the East. Furthermore, the shaggy, unkempt beard reveals that he is not a Roman (i.e. that he comes from a region beyond the borders of the Roman Empire). Possibly he also wears long trousers. Representations of captive barbarians played an important role in the iconography of power during the Imperial Period, as they visualised Rome’s military superiority and power. This in turn legitimised the emperor’s claim to power as he was also the army’s supreme commander. Correspondingly, barbarians are frequently found on the in part monumental state monuments such as Trajan’s Column, the Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus and the Gemma Augustea. Condition: Three minor lacunae (at the left foot, on the back and on the underside of the rim), otherwise well preserved. With Charles Ede Ltd., London. Thereafter priv. coll. Switzerland, since 2000. Starting price: 14000 CHF