Circa 2nd century A.D.. Modelled in the round standing wearing a crested helmet, muscle-cuirass with tunic beneath, short pteruges and greaves; left hand raised to hold a spear, right hand with gladius resting on the forearm. Cf. for similar examples Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und die Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch-Altenburg, 2017, item 65; for the Jupiter Dolichenus cult see Kusseven, P., The Cult of Iupiter Dolichenus: origins and iconography, Ankara, 2007, p.120, fig.B15. 36 grams, 62 mm (2 1/2 in.).
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.
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. [No Reserve]
Price realized | 460 GBP |
Starting price | 5 GBP |
Estimate | 300 GBP |