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Bronze balsamarium decorated with lion-skins and herms

late 1st–early 2nd century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 168
This flask was used to hold oil for cleaning the skin after athletic practice and competition. The swing handle and lid attached by a chain made it easy to carry and prevented spillage. The decoration itself evokes athletics. Statues of Hermes and Herakles, depicted here as herms, were traditionally set up in the palestra and the gymnasium where athletes trained.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bronze balsamarium decorated with lion-skins and herms
  • Period: Mid-Imperial
  • Date: late 1st–early 2nd century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. without handle: 3 in. (7.6 cm)
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Gift of John J. Medveckis, in honor of Emily Rafferty, and in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2021
  • Object Number: 2021.19.2
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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