Ancient Artefact of the Day: A simply stunning gold bowl - the Patera of Rennes - decorated with a scene of Bacchus and Hercules, with inset decoration of gold coins, ca. AD 210. #AAOTD
Image: Bibliothèque nationale de France Inv.56.94
Image: Bibliothèque nationale de France Inv.56.94
Discovered in 1774, the piece is dated through the numismatic elements, the latest of which is a representation of Geta. As this would not have been reissued after his assassination and subsequent damnatio memoriae, this provides a 'terminus post quem' for the patera.
The piece also has a decided Severan connection through the central decoration of Bacchus and Hercules, the tutelary deities of Leptis Magna - the birthplace of Septimius Severus - both of whom featured on his coinage.
Image: RIC IV Septimius Severus 25
Image: RIC IV Septimius Severus 25
The patera was actually stolen from the Cabinet des médailles de la Bibliothèque nationale de France in 1831, but by sheer chance was found on the banks of the Seine under the Pont Marie.
For more on the decorations, especially the Bacchus/Hercules scene, see:
Louis Foucher. “Concours De Boisson Entre Dionysos Et Héraclès.” Syria, vol. 77, 2000, pp. 201–210.
jstor.org/stable/4199336 (Article in French)
#AAOTD
Louis Foucher. “Concours De Boisson Entre Dionysos Et Héraclès.” Syria, vol. 77, 2000, pp. 201–210.
jstor.org/stable/4199336 (Article in French)
#AAOTD
