Minneapolis Institute of Art

Boss with Head of Oceanus

Roman Empire

Date

1st–2nd century

Medium

Bronze with silver and copper inlays

Culture

Roman

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

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. Roman, Italy, Europe

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