A ROMAN POTTERY JUG

CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN POTTERY JUG
circa 1st-2nd century a.d.
Dome-shaped with a cylindrical neck and strap handle, the front mold-made with a lovemaking scene in a bedchamber, rendered in high relief, the woman on her side with her torso facing out, supporting herself on her left elbow, her right hand around her lover's neck and head as they embrace in a kiss, the man pushing forward with his right leg, raising her leg with his right hand, a curtain draped behind them, the bed with a coverlet and pillows, a serving table with vessel in the foreground
7.3/8 in. (18.7 cm.) high

Lot Essay

The same acrobatic but passionate composition is found on the cover of a Greek bronze mirror from Corinth, circa 350-300 B.C., now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and on a Roman bronze mirror cover found on the Palatine, circa 69-79 A.D., now in the Antiquarium Communale, Rome. See figures 2 and 60 in Clarke, Looking at Lovemaking, Constructions of Sexuality in Roman Art, 100 B.C.-250 A.D.