A beautifully modelled bronze applique depicting the head of Bacchus. The detailing is semi-naturalistic, with textured and layered hair bound with a fillet of vine leaves and clusters of berries. Hollow reverse.
 
Circa 1st century BC- 2nd century AD.
 
Very fine condition with attractive olive-green patina.
Height 3.9 cms (1.5 ins)
 
Provenance: European private collection, 1970-1980s. London, UK, late 1990s.
 
Originally, this bronze sculpture would probably have been attached to a piece of furniture (what a fantastic ornament to decorate the arms of your favourite drinking chair). Regardless of the function, it was clearly associated with the joys of the Bacchanals.