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Gallo-Roman 'Sun in Chariot' Figural Plaque

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Lead, 145 grams, 95.64 mm. Circa 2nd-3rd century AD.

A rectangular lead plaque bearing a decorated arch enclosing a diorama scene in three tiers. The upper corners are decorated with coiled serpent images facing each other across the arch. In the upper field is Soli Invicto 'The Unconquered Sun', with radiate crown, right arm raised, left arm holding orb, wearing a tunic and cloak pinned at the right shoulder, standing in a quadriga with four horses advancing.

Below this is a group of figures comprising a warriors in a Roman crested helmets, with a shield and holding a spear behind a horseman with raised arms above a dolphin; in the center is Epona, the Celtic of horses. To her right, another a horseman advancing to the center with raised arm trampling a female, and behind him a figure with raised right arm holding a branch.

The lower tier includes a naked standing male with an animal mask, standing above dolphin, hanging a rabbit in a tree. to his right a smaller figure seated beneath a tree. The central scene shows three figures seated at a round table sharing food, perhaps the rabbit? To the right, a pair of naked youths holding hands.

The plaque probably formed part of the ornamental facade of a temple.

A few minor bends and bottom crack that doesn't mar the over-all beauty of the plaque.

FYI - This an extremely rare piece. Most are found in Museum collections. In hand, it's stunning. This may be a once-in-life-time opportunity for you own and display a remarkable artifact from ancient Rome that was certainly seen in a temple dedicated to the Roman Military cult of Soli Invicto.