Roman Goose Statuette. 2nd-3rd century A.D. A bronze statuette of a bawling goose with spread wings, long neck and open beak, standing on a rectangular pedestal. Cf. for small statuettes of birds Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 268ff., for comparable examples. 48.3 grams, 52 mm wide (2 in.) German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK. Geese were animals sacred to Juno. Their representation in the Roman art is linked to the legendary episode of the capitol geese. The Gauls of Brennus in 396 B.C. were besieging Rome and were looking for a way to breach the Capitoline hill. One night, the Celts were about to be able to enter with a silent attack. Legend said that the geese, the only animals that survived the hunger of the besieged because they were sacred to Juno, began to squawk loudly, warning the former Consul Marcus Manlius and the besieged Romans of the danger, allowing them to defend themselves against the enemy. [No Reserve]

Fine condition.