Roman Bowl with Cranes in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Bowl with Cranes
Unknown
Roman, possibly from Alexandria, Egypt, about 25 - 1 B.C.
Silver
2 7/8 x 4 1/16 in.
72.AM.33

Four cranes shown in their natural marshy environment decorate this Roman silver bowl. The birds groom and hunt among the plants, mainly seeking snakes of varying sizes. Such scenes of cranes were very popular in late Hellenistic and early Roman art. The reason for this popularity may be linked to a growing interest in landscape and the natural world in art at this time. Some scholars have also seen a further reason for the scene's popularity: the image of the crane fighting a snake may have had an apotropaic symbolism with the power to ward off evil.

This bowl-like form was a popular shape for drinking cups in the Hellenistic and early Roman periods. Small marks on the side and bottom of the cup indicate, however, that the cup was modified at a later point in its use. When the handle-less, round-bottomed form of cup was no longer in style, two handles and a foot were added to the vase. These additions are now missing.

Text from: www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=8001