Diana, who was known as Artemis in the Greek pantheon, was the Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon and the wilderness, often depicted alongside animals such as stags or hunting dogs. As one of the most beloved deity in Roman religion, she appears in many different artistic productions, always portrayed carrying a bow and quiver of arrows, her main attributes. However, she is sometimes depicted with less common symbols such as the torch; in this case the goddess is presented as Diana Lucifera, meaning light-bearer. Interestingly, the figure of Diana holding a torch can be also linked to a popular Roman celebration dedicated to the goddess, known as Nemoralia or Festival of Torches.
Roman Bronze Statue of the Goddess Diana Lucifera
$684.17
An extremely fine Ancient Roman cast bronze fragment of an all-round statuette depicting the goddess Diana. The deity is portrayed in her usual outfit, consisting of a loose-fitting knee-length dress, while she carries her bow in her left hand, a large torch in her right, and a quiver of arrows on her back. Anatomical details, together with the heavy folds of Diana’s garment, have been finely rendered through incised lines. Although in fragmentary condition, this piece is an absolute fine example of Roman craftsmanship in working metals.
Provenance: Ex. S.M collection, London 1948-2000.
Condition: Extremely fine piece, although in fragmentary condition. Dark olive-green patina covers the surface.
SOLD
| Weight | 146.7 g |
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| Dimensions | H 10 cm |
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