Gallo-Roman Terracotta Chalice with Molded Decorations

Drawing upon the finest artistic traditions of the Classical age, this magnificent drinking cup depicts hunting scenes in low relief. Heroically nude hunters, seen from various angles to glorify the human figure, struggle with a bear and a boar. The scene is poetical, mythical rather than realistic, an elegy on the ancient pastime of the hunt. Perhaps this very cup was held by a Roman noble as he sat around the fire after the chase, exchanging tales with his friends. No doubt its original owner turned the cup round and round in his hands, admiring its stunning beauty as we still do today.