Bronze balsamarium decorated with lion-skins and herms

Unknown

late 1st–early 2nd century CE · Bronze · Greek and Roman Art

This flask was used to hold oil for cleaning the skin after athletic practice and competition. The swing handle and lid attached by a chain made it easy to carry and prevented spillage. The decoration itself evokes athletics. Statues of Hermes and Herakles, depicted here as herms, were traditionally set up in the palestra and the gymnasium where athletes trained.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 1st–early 2nd century CE

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of John J. Medveckis, in honor of Emily Rafferty, and in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2021