This bronze medallion depicts the bearded head of Oceanus, the god of the river which the ancients believed surrounded the earth and was the source of all waters. A boss served as an ornamental attachment to a piece of domestic or religious furniture. There are remnants of silver and copper inlays on the god's eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead. Various sea creatures dive in and out of his flowing beard, while two dolphins on his head function as a crown. Oceanus is set against a background of scales, in reference to the tradition that he had a human head and a fish's body.

A Roman bronze boss four and one-eighth inches wide, this sculptural relief was presumably applied to a piece of private or religious furniture and represents Oceanus, the god of the river which the ancients believed surrounded the earth. It was made in the Roman empire in the first or second century after the birth of Christ but in the tradition of Greek craftsmanship.

The frontal, bearded head with eyes of silver inlay is placed against a formalized background composed of the scales of the god's body and enclosed within a modeled rim. There are several small inlays of silver and copper on the god's cheeks, nose and forehead. Six sea creatures are shown sporting in his hair and beard: above, two rampant dolphins act as a crown; two fish peer from the locks of his hair; two more dive out of his beard.

The naturalism and gaiety of this bronze are typical of the ancient art and religion. Excellent craftsmanship, the imaginative use of naturalism and the techniques of sculpture explain why small ancient bronzed like this have inspired sculptors from the Italian Renaissance to our own day.

Referenced Work of Art

1. Unknown Sculptor, Graeco-Roman. Oceanus, 1st or 2nd century A. D. Bronze, 4 1/8”. The Lillian Z. Turnblad Memorial Fund, 1961, 61.58.