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Reference: RNA18 / Cat. No.
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Period:
Roman
Origin:
Tunisia
Date:
200 – 300 AD
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Description:
On discus: bearded male figure, head facing, grappling a bull r. and holding its l. horn.
Manufacture:
Mould made.
Size (cm):
L. 12.3, W. 8.5, H. 5.4
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Notes:
Cf. (type) Deneauve, 1135 (illus. 1136); Hoff, 4-9; (subject) Bussière & Lindros Wohl, 485; Deneauve, 827.
Firmalampen nozzle style.
Comments:
The scene may represent a bull being subdued by a venator or bestiarius in an arena (a detached shield and spear are shown in other versions) but it also suggests an allusion to the capture of the Cretan Bull in one of the Twelve Labours of Hercules, an episode typically portrayed in a similar style and composition (e.g. 3rd-century coins of Gordian III and Postumus).
The theme of conquering a bull had a contemporary significance beyond Herculean myth and was echoed in Mithraism, an Eastern mystery cult particularly popular among the Roman military at this time. In a central event of the cult a sacred bull was slain by the god Mithras to release its life force.
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