Sale: CNG 72, Lot: 2891. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2006.  Sold For $1400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

[Bronze objects] ROMAN. Bronze statuette of a bear. Circa 1st- 2nd century AD. Height 45mm. A solid cast figurine of a bear at bay, sitting back on its haunches and preparing to take a swipe with its paw. Good condition, encrusted green patina with patches of red-brown. A rare animal in ancient art.

Bears make infrequent appearances in ancient art. They play a very limited role in mythology, and are rarely used in a symbolic manner. The bear is most often seen as a combatant in arena games, and this rugged figure was most likely part of a larger tableau, perhaps shown defending itself against a gladiator or another wild animal.