Key

Art Historical Context

This petite bronze key, measuring just 1 11/16 inches (4.3 cm), offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday ingenuity of the ancient Greek and Roman world. Crafted by an unknown artist, its simple yet functional form highlights the practical artistry of antiquity, likely used to secure doors, chests, or personal belongings. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of's Greek and Roman Art department, it exemplifies the durable bronze medium favored for such tools—cast through sophisticated lost-wax techniques that allowed for intricate details despite the object's modest scale. Acquired through ...