A SILVER BALSAMARIUM WITH THE BUST OF A YOUNG AFRICAN, 1ST CENTURY AD A SILVER BALSAMARIUM WITH THE BUST OF A YOUNG AFRICAN, 1ST CENTURY AD A SILVER BALSAMARIUM WITH THE BUST OF A YOUNG AFRICAN, 1ST CENTURY AD A SILVER BALSAMARIUM WITH THE BUST OF A YOUNG AFRICAN, 1ST CENTURY AD A SILVER BALSAMARIUM WITH THE BUST OF A YOUNG AFRICAN, 1ST CENTURY AD A SILVER BALSAMARIUM WITH THE BUST OF A YOUNG AFRICAN, 1ST CENTURY AD A SILVER BALSAMARIUM WITH THE BUST OF A YOUNG AFRICAN, 1ST CENTURY AD

A SILVER BALSAMARIUM WITH THE BUST OF A YOUNG AFRICAN, 1ST CENTURY AD

Reference: ART600868

A silver balsamarium in the form of the bust of a young African. A very popular subject in the early Roman Empire, copying prototypes from Hellenistic art from Alexandria. The details of the handles are picked out in mercury gilding while the lid and handle are well preserved.
On the base are inscribed the name ' Aelius Sextus' probably the owner.
The portrait is remarkably well rendered in a most sensitive fashion.
Height: 17 cm.
Width: With handle 10 cm.
Silver with mercury gilding. Roman 1 st.c. A.D.

PROVENANCE
Private collection, Austria
Former Mr. Marcus Hollesberger of Munich between 1990-1993, previously they have been with Mr. Viktor Hruby in Vienna in the early 1980's.