Cylindrical base with dancers

myminifactory

This masterpiece is a Roman base, reimagined for modern times and repurposed as an exquisite garden vase. The intricate design features winged female figures dancing in motion, separated by a lush vegetal motif composed of intricately intertwined palmettes and acanthus ornaments. The captivating representation draws inspiration from the elegant Spartan dancers, known as "saltantes Lacenae," which are mentioned in Pliny's writings and derived from the iconic model created by the skilled sculptor Callimachus in the mid-5th century B.C. What sets this imagery apart is the Greek artist's innovative approach to capturing the delicacy of dance by synchronizing the movement of the dancer's body with the folds in her attire. Callimachus' timeless design was frequently emulated during the Neo-Attic period, influencing the decoration of bases, reliefs, and candelabras. Meanwhile, the vegetal elements evoke the grandeur of Hellenistic art, particularly metalwork decoration known as toreutics. By comparing iconographic details to works like the stucco decorations found in the Villa della Farnesina, it is possible to date this masterpiece to the Augustan period, roughly spanning from the late 1st century B.C. to the early 1st century A.D. In the 17th century, the work underwent a meticulous restoration process, with ancient marble fragments incorporated into its design. These fragments include a fragmentary inscription that was later seamlessly integrated into the upper part using gesso.