Roman Bronze Jupiter Dolichenus Eagle Pair
2nd-3rd century A.D.. The imperial birds modelled in the round, each standing on the head of a horned bull, wings partially spread; semi-naturalistic detailing to the head and feathers; suspension loop behind the neck. Cf. Speidel, M.P., 'Eagle-bearer and trumpeter' in Bonner Jahrbucher, 176, 1976, pp.123-163; Greet, B.J.R., The Roman Eagle: A Symbol and Its Evolution, Leeds, 2015, figs.6.7, 6.8.
487 grams total, 89-92 mm (3 1/2 - 3 5/8 in.).
Acquired in Europe before 1992. The cult of Jupiter Dolichenus was a variant of worship of Zeus from Asia Minor whose mystery cult was widespread in the Roman Empire from the early 2nd to mid-3rd centuries A.D., especially in the military. The god is usually represented mounting a bull, with the double axe (labrys or bipennis) in his right raised hand, and dressed in the military attire of a Roman general. [2] [For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price]