Roman folding knife handle with depictions of Venus and Cupid. The handle bears relief depictions on both sides. Side a): Head of the winged goddess of victory, Victoria, turned to the right and wearing a crested coiffure. To the right of it kneels, also turned to the right, Cupid and turns with lance and shield against a hare sitting somewhat elevated. Side b): on the left naked Cupid sitting on a mantle with lyre; on the right Venus (?) head turned to the left. Ivory; l 12,3 cm; w 4,1 cm; 3rd century AD.
Wilhelm Kubitschek and Salomon Frankfurter call the depictions a “jocular idyll in counterparts: the ridiculous battle, the outcome of which is indicated by the presence of the goddess of victory, and the celebration, which the comfortably resting victor accompanies with play and song before the eyes of his mother.”
Model: © Landessammlungen Niederösterreich, Niederösterreich 3D
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