Getty Museum

Statuette of a Goddess, probably Ceres or Juno

Date

A.D. 50–75

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Roman

Department

Sculpture

Institution

Getty Museum

Wearing a tunic and heavy cloak, this female figure is identified as a goddess by the form of her diadem. The figure's pose and dress draw heavily on the Greek Classical tradition. She is now missing the attributes she held, which would have identified her, but the position of her hands suggests that she may have held a patera, or offering dish, and a scepter or staff. Comparisons with Roman coins have led to the conclusion that she is most likely Ceres, goddess of fertility, or Juno, the goddess of marriage. The back of this figure is only summarily finished and has a large rectangular hole for attachment to another object. This goddess was reportedly found with the Appliqué with Two Men and the Statuette of Roma or Virtus. Together these pieces appear to form a group of relief sculpture, which may have served as appliqué decorating the same object, perhaps a chariot or a piece of furniture.

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