“Lorbeerblatt, Feige(?) und Phallus ohne Hoden. Dazu drei Münzen, eine mit dem bärtigen bekranzten Kopf des Kaisers Commodus und der Umschrift COMM.ANT.PFII die andere mit Victoria mit Palme und Kranz und der Umschrift VICTO, die dritte mit viersäuligem Tempel, darin die Statue eines Gottes, der die Rechte hoch auf Zepter oder Lanze stützt, zu den Seiten SC. Um das Ganze die (fagmentierte) Umschrift: FELIci impERAtori ANNVM Novum FAustum felicEM.”

“Bay leaf, fig (?) And phallus without testicles. wheat or barley kernel. In addition three coins, one with the bearded, wreathed head of the Emperor Commodus and the inscription COMM.ANT.PFII, the other with Victoria with a palm tree and wreath and the inscription VICTO, the third with a four-column temple, in it the statue of a god who holds the rights high based on scepter or lance, to the sides SC. All around the (fragmented) transcription: FELICI IMPERATORI ANNVM NOVVM FAVSTVM FELICEM”

” A Happy and Prosperous New Year for our Blessed Emperor”

Arachne entry object (no image)

Arachne entry cast (no description)

I guess this is the richie rich version of this type of gift.  BM specimen photographed by Carol Raddato

I

ANNV/NOVM/FAVTVM/FELICE(M)

annu(m) / novum / fau(s)tum / felice(m)

“A happy and prosperous New Year”

—

another intaglio depicting coins

This is part of a very famous set of reliefs depicting the  Roman funeralnow in the Museo Aquila, found at Amiternum.  It is thought to represent a gladiatorial combat.

I think the helmet itself have hair.  Notice the horns and cheek plates.

So this piece has been in the works for ages and I’m just about to let it go.  I was supposed to have presented it at the CUNY GC as a pre-circulated paper on Monday (3/16) but that’s been indefinitely postponed.

I’m trying to figure out what journal to send it off to.  Given the kids are home from school my most reliable copy-editor, my beloved of course, has his hands full and cannot give this a read through before its release.

If you have the interest and time to read and want to also send me typos and comments I would be most grateful.  Journal suggestions are also welcome, ideally open access and must be good with lots of images in color.

PRE PUBLICATION PAPER