With open, high, curving bases, this pair of feline ornaments would have presumably once decorated the upper railing of an ancient chariot. The composition of each piece is masterful: the body of the panther manages to fill the entire space without seeming compacted in any way, from the tip of the curved tail on one end of the fitting to the front paw resting on the vase at the edge of the other end. The vases, which appear to be amphoras with spiraling scroll handles, are flat, contrasting to the three-dimensional modeling of the panthers. The panthers stand tall, their heads held high in the air with open mouths and protruding tongues. Incised lines around the neck reproduce the texture of their furry manes, while the folds around their eyes are marvelously captured. Also impressive is the ferocious set of fangs that fill their mouths. Their large, powerful legs feature indications of the musculature and tendons and their paws feature individual toes and claws. The whole of their two bodies have been incised with a motif of dashes and circles that recreates both the textual feeling of the fur as well as the spotted pattern. A pair of undulating lines along the side of the base indicates that no decorative detail was overlooked. Nails would have been driven through the hole in the back of the fittings, opposite the tail and paws, in order to secure this ornament into place along the railing of an ancient ceremonial chariot. Although the wooden frame of this quadriga has longs since deteriorated, we can still imagine the luxurious nature of such a ceremonial vehicle based the beauty on the few decorative elements that have survived. - (X.0186)

Antiquities
Ancient Roman