Getty Museum

Situla with a Frieze of Athletic Contests

Date

A.D. 75–100

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Roman

Department

Vessels

Institution

Getty Museum

Encircling the round body of this bronze situla, nude athletes, boxers, and wrestlers compete fiercely under the supervision of a judge who carries palm branches and a wreath. Prizes--a kantharos or cup, basins on stands, and wreaths--are displayed between the groups of figures. Vessels similar in shape and technique have been found in Gaul, a Roman province incorporating present-day France; these bronze situlae were probably manufactured there. Furthermore, the low rounded form of this vessel recalls the shape of Gallic vessels made of clay or glass. This situla originally had a handle, which is now missing. Rough areas on the shoulder of the situla mark the points where the handle was once attached.

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