Bronze Situla with Competing Athletes in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Title: Situla with a Frieze of Athletic Contests

Artist/Maker: Unknown

Culture: Roman

Place: Roman Empire (Place created)

Date: A.D. 75–100

Medium: Bronze

Object Number: 96.AC.41

Dimensions: 9.5 × 14 cm (3 3/4 × 5 1/2 in.)

Alternate Titles: Bowl with Wrestlers (Display Title)

Object Type: Situla

Encircling the round body of this bronze situla, nude athletes, boxers, and wrestlers compete fiercely under the supervision of a judge who carries palm branches and a wreath. Prizes--a kantharos or cup, basins on stands, and wreaths--are displayed between the groups of figures. Vessels similar in shape and technique have been found in Gaul, a Roman province incorporating present-day France; these bronze situlae were probably manufactured there. Furthermore, the low rounded form of this vessel recalls the shape of Gallic vessels made of clay or glass. This situla originally had a handle, which is now missing. Rough areas on the shoulder of the situla mark the points where the handle was once attached.

Text from: www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/29489/unknown-maker-situla-with-a-frieze-of-athletic-contests-roman-ad-75-100