3rd-4th century A.D.. Female with hair drawn up in a chignon, palla wrapped tightly around the upper body hiding the right arm bent with the hand at the shoulder, lower hem of robe flared; fixing lug to underside. Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 143 (Fortuna) in similar robe; 203, Ceres or Pomona. 86 grams, 71 mm (2 3/4 in.).

This is a figurine of a deity of difficult interpretation, certainly a provincial work of the Empire representing an ex-voto. This typology is widespread in the votive offerings of Gallo-Roman sanctuaries, and by analogy with a statuette found in Vaison the Romaine could represent Ceres or Pomona.

Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)