Roman Bronze Eagle Finial

Roman Bronze Eagle Finial, ca. 1st Century BC-1st Century AD. A finely cast bronze finial modeled as an eagle standing with wings folded and head turned slightly. The bird stands atop an integrated plinth above a cylindrical socket for attachment to a staff or standard. The plumage is rendered in low relief with textured feather detailing. Eagles held particular significance in the Roman military as emblems of power, victory, and divine authority. Finials of this type likely served as fittings for military standards, ceremonial staffs, or other official insignia, evoking the aquila, the revered eagle standard carried by Roman legions. Attractive green patina.

Provenance: Dutch collection formed in the 1970s; ex Artemission, London, 2021. H. 4 1/8" (10.5 cm)..