Roman Bronze Bust of a Noble Lady
2nd century A.D. Modelled in the round with semi-naturalistic facial features and hair style with centre parting and tied in a chignon at the nape, detailing to the folds in the fabric of her garment; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. Cf. Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, p.85, for a bronze bust in similar style.425 grams total, 11 cm high including stand (4 1/4 in.). Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. This bust probably served as a weight. The head of the sculpture is slightly turned up to the left with serious expression. The small sculpture could represent a bacchante or maenad, even if there are no visible iconographic elements directly linked to the cult of Dionysus.