Classic Week shorts: An important large Roman bronze of Bacchus

Specialist Max Bernheimer picks out key details that set apart this major bronze figure of Bacchus dating from the 2nd century A.D. — offered in Classic Week at Christie’s
This impressive and important depiction of the god Bacchus stands at almost three feet tall. Bacchus — Dionysus to the Greeks — was a popular subject throughout the Classical world. Due to his role as the god of wine and revelry, he was an especially fitting subject to adorn wealthy Roman villas, which were commonly used for entertainment.
As Antiquities specialist Max Bernheimer explains, it is not only its large size that sets this major bronze figure apart: the inlaid copper hairband, the eyes inlaid in silver, and the ‘river patina’, which means its original golden brown hue has probably been preserved by water are all highly significant.
An important large Roman inlaid bronze Bacchus. Circa 2nd century A.D.. 33 5/8 in. (63.3 cm.) high. Estimate: $500,000-700,000. This work is offered in the Antiquities Sale on 12 April at Christie’s in New York