Patera with Fluted Handle and Ram Head Finial
Unknown Artist
500–400 BCE
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
h. 6.4 cm, l. 38.6 cm · diam. 24.2 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1981.6
About this artwork
This patera is made from a shallow bronze dish attached to a fluted handle, terminating in a ram’s head. The ram’s head is realistically rendered through careful modeling and a high level of detail. Though the patera looks much like a modern frying pan, in antiquity it would have been used for pouring wine during important rituals.