Artwork Page for Mouse

Details / Information for Mouse

Mouse

1–200 CE

Italy, Rome

Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 1.4 x 1.6 cm (9/16 x 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Keith P. Smith 1985.177
Public Domain
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Location
103 Roman
Print
?

Did You Know?

Small mouse figurines were often affixed to oil lamps to ward off living mice that might eat the wicks or lamp oil

Description

The Romans were the first people in antiquity to make large numbers of genre sculptures for no purpose other than household decoration. This mouse may have been just such a knick-knack or it may have ornamented a metal food container laying claim to its contents so that other mice would stay away.
A bronze sculpture depicts a mouse crouched low, facing our right. Its body forms a compact, arched shape with a short, thick tail extending behind. With its snout tucked down, its rounded ears point upward. Fine, vertical incised lines follow the curve of its back and sides. The weathered surface displays a mottled patina of muted green, reddish-brown, and tan, showing signs of aging across the small, rounded form.

Mouse

1–200 CE

Italy, Rome

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