CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

Cf. C. Vermeule et al., Sculpture in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, 1977, p. 52, no. 76, S5c11, for a similar finial surmounted by twin pinecones with double rosettes on either side, mounted on a twisted vine or stem shaft. Vermeule suggests that the idea for these decorative shafts originally came from marble candelabra, which were similar but with flat dishes on the top. They were placed in front of Roman shrines and parks.