The lares - an invaluable asset
The lares, the Roman household gods of antiquity, were something like the secret heart of the Roman household. Hardly any crime within the family circle weighed more heavily than the insult or dishonor of a lari. In extreme cases, such blasphemy could be punished by death by the pater familias. Accordingly, the family members of their household gods were concerned, since there was a risk that they would be stolen by hostile parties and that their own house would be doomed.
As household gods, the lares were responsible for the well-being of the family. Until late antiquity and partly beyond, Roman families appreciated and revered the pagan custom of the household god.
House god from the 1st century
The original of this silver-colored house god dates to the 1st century AD. Rising above a high quality black marble base is the figural silver representation of the Roman domestic god.
- Dating: 1st century AD.
- Original in the museum in Lyon
- height approx. 17 cm
- genuine black marble base
The silver lar as an image of antiquity
This model of a Roman domestic god impresses with its sophisticated workmanship and attention to detail. Its silver color conveys the spirit of antiquity, when silver was THE metal par excellence. While gold may have had a higher commercial value, silver circulated in most regions of the Roman world as one of the main means of payment. Monuments, jewelry and other valuables were also often made of the finest silver.
An ancient helper
This silver lar combines delicate beauty with a meaningful message. Not only does its radiance attract and enhance any room, it also exudes the fabled power that the household god of antiquity had over the fate of the household.
Cherish your household god and your home will have a happy future!
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