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Ibis Eating a Lizard
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The ibis is an Egyptian bird, shown here standing firmly on both legs with a lizard in its beak. The bird rests on a two-tiered circular base, and a vertical stem with incised decoration extends above the ibis’s head. While an Egyptian animal, the image of the ibis devouring a lizard became common only in the Roman world, depicted in wall paintings and seen on Barbotine ware, a type of pottery. This sculpture may be unique, however, in showing this motif in the round.
| Artist / Maker | Italy, Rome, Roman Empire |
|---|---|
| Date | 100 BCE–100 CE |
| Culture / Origin | Italy, Rome, Roman Empire |
| Medium | bronze, hollow cast |
| Dimensions | Overall: 37.5 cm (14 3/4 in.) |
| Department | Greek and Roman Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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