Roman Bronze Figural Fragment of a Bearded Fisherman with Large Fish, c. 1st–3rd Century AD

Substantial cast bronze fragment from a small statuette or decorative attachment, depicting a bearded male figure, probably a fisherman, with one arm bent above his head and a large fish carried against or over the shoulder. The face is unusually well defined, with deeply rendered eyes, moustache and long striated beard; details of the fish and clothing remain visible. Dark green-brown patina with scattered mineral deposits. Lower portion of figure lost.

Bronze. 34 mm. 37 g.

Provenance: From the collection of a European gentleman; acquired on the German art market in the 2000s. Ex Life Antiquities Limited, London.