Wonderfully detailed! From ancient Rome, circa 2nd - 3rd century BC. Bronze bust of a young Roman deity with wavy hair and large eyes, the pupils of which are drilled; with dots and lines on the helmet, incisions on the crest of the helmet imitating feathers, and a decorative pattern on the rectangular base. The deity has wavy hair and large eyes, the pupils of which are drilled. (successive owners of this statuette have speculated about who is depicted, and there has been diversity of opinion). Some think it may be Minerva or her Greek counterpart Athena, whereas others are inclined to think it is Mars. Some believe it is Roma, the personification of the city of Rome or even the Roman state, who is sometimes shown with a helmet (although Mellor has also suggested other identifications for helmeted figures).

Raman Spectroscopy Tested and a copy of the test report accompanies.

4-1/3”H (11.0 cm), intact./excellent condition. Bronze has been cleaned/treated for conservation purposes, as is often the case with ancient bronzes. There might have been a very small repair at the back side of the base; if any, it was most likely done in antiquity; but it is hard to tell with certainty.

Literature: R. Mellor, "The Goddess Roma" in Hildegard Temporini - Wolfgang Haase (eds.), Aufstieg und Niedergang der römischen Welt / Rise and Decline of the Roman World. Volume 17,2: Religion. Paganism: Roman Cults, Oriental Cults in the Roman World (Continued). Berlin – New York, Walter de Gruyter, 1981, p. 950-1030.

** This Item is located at our sister gallery in Europe. For shipments outside the EU, an Export License will be required - email for details **

ProvenanceEx- Hirsch Collection, Germany

Material Bronze
Dimensions 4-1/3”H
Condition Intact

Antiquities
Ancient Roman